Nijhuis defends Bos: why Bouwman's yellow differed from Veerman's red

Referee Bas Nijhuis steps in to back Alex Bos, insisting Ajax defender Aaron Bouwman deserved only a yellow card for his challenge on SC Heerenveen’s Dylan Vente, while a similar incident earlier in the Johan Cruijff Schaal saw Joey Veerman sent off with a red.

Nijhuis says the yellow was justified because Bouwman’s leg was extended from low to high. The match ended 2-2 between Ajax and SC Heerenveen. Bouwman's stretch caused Vente to leave the field with a bleeding face.

The card sparked a wave of criticism on social media. During the Johan Cruijff Schaal (Tijdens de Johan Cruijff Schaal), Joey Veerman was shown a red after a comparable strike on Mexx Meerdink.

Speaking at the Oranjezomer, Nijhuis acknowledged public doubt, saying “many wonder why Bouwman didn’t get a red and Veerman did.” He added, “When I watched the match I thought immediately: this is reckless and also a yellow card.” He explained the difference lay in the leg’s trajectory, noting Veerman’s straight leg to the face warranted a red. Nijhuis said that if a straight leg hits the face, it’s red; a bent leg aimed at the ball remains yellow, and VAR would likely not intervene. Journalist Noa Vahle asked whether the KNVB should enforce red cards in both cases, to which Nijhuis replied that the distinction is clear.