Van der Vaart Criticizes Indonesia’s Paes, Sparks Fan Backlash

Amsterdam – Former Dutch international Rafael van der Vaart has ignited a firestorm of criticism directed at Ajax goalkeeper Maarten Paes following the Amsterdam club’s recent 3-1 defeat to FC Groningen. Van der Vaart’s scathing assessment of Paes’s post-match comments has, in turn, drawn the ire of Indonesian football fans, flooding the former midfielder’s Instagram account with responses.

The controversy stems from Paes’s critique of his Ajax teammates after the loss to Groningen, a result that extended Ajax’s winless streak to three matches under caretaker manager Fred Grim. Grim was subsequently relieved of his duties, with Oscar Garcia, a coach from the youth academy, appointed as his replacement.

Paes, a 27-year-old goalkeeper recently transferred from FC Dallas, publicly questioned the team’s unity, stating that Ajax did not function as a cohesive unit. “What’s missing? A team. People who are willing to fight to the death for each other,” Paes said, as reported by Voetbal International. “It’s in demanding moments that we see the best of ourselves, whether we are truly a team or not. We all have to seem in the mirror and see how we can improve.”

He continued, “When you win, everyone is friends. In difficult moments, we see if we are willing to fight to the death for each other, if we support each other. Football is a game of mistakes, we all make them, but at least we have to be a team.”

However, Paes’s candid assessment was met with strong disapproval from several Dutch football legends, including Van der Vaart, Wesley Sneijder, and Henk ten Cate. Van der Vaart was particularly blunt in his criticism, suggesting Paes was out of line to voice such concerns so soon after joining the club.

“Guys, please… Maarten Paes. Solid grief, a goalkeeper saying something like that,” Van der Vaart exclaimed, according to FC Update. “I would send him straight back to America!” He added, “Especially when you’ve just arrived and still have to prove yourself. He just says they aren’t a team. I can’t understand it at all.”

Van der Vaart elaborated, painting a picture of Paes as overly critical and lacking the experience to make such pronouncements. “He’d hold the ball, run out of the box, yell at everyone, and then go back to goal,” he said, with Sneijder visibly amused by the commentary. “I have absolutely nothing for that!”

Sneijder attempted to offer a more nuanced perspective, suggesting Paes might be highlighting a lack of collective spirit within the squad. “I feel he means that you can tell it’s all individuals. He misses guys who are willing to fight through fire for each other, and when you have fun with each other and enjoy it, you also make the extra effort for others.”

Ten Cate echoed Van der Vaart’s harsh assessment, emphasizing the importance of seniority and timing. “He’s not that young anymore (27, ed.). Then you have to realize that you can’t say certain things. Especially not so soon after a match like that, you can’t make those kinds of remarks.” He added, “Especially not with a coach under pressure, a team that isn’t doing well, and then you, as a newcomer, start making these kinds of statements….”

The backlash from Van der Vaart’s comments quickly extended beyond the Dutch football media. Indonesian football fans, seemingly taking exception to the criticism of Paes, descended upon Van der Vaart’s Instagram account, expressing their disapproval of the former Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder’s remarks. The incident highlights the growing global reach of football commentary and the passionate connection fans feel with players, even those representing clubs far from their home countries.

The situation at Ajax remains fluid. With Garcia now at the helm, the club will be looking for a swift turnaround in form and a restoration of team spirit. Whether Paes’s initial critique proves to be a catalyst for positive change, or whether it continues to be a source of division, remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: the goalkeeper’s words have sparked a debate that extends far beyond the confines of the Johan Cruijff Arena.