Jordan Henderson clashes with team-mate as angry pair needed separating | Football | Sport


Jordan Henderson needed to be separated from Ajax teammate Bertrand Traore during his side’s Europa League victory over Besiktas.

Despite cruising to a 4-0 victory, tempers boiled over early in the second half following a string of mistakes which almost proved costly.

Just after the hour mark, and with his side leading 3-0, winger Traore attempted to drive the ball out of his own half but lost possession in a dangerous area. The former Chelsea forward was bailed out by his teammates as Besiktas were almost gifted a way back into the game, but Henderson was not willing to forgive and forget.

Instead, the England international furiously took aim at his teammate for playing his side into danger and aggressively approached the ex-Aston Villa star.

Henderson came close to squaring up to his teammate as he continued to tell Traore off for his poor decision-making before other Ajax stars raced onto the scene to intervene and diffuse the situation.

Kian Fritz-Jim then pulled Henderson away from the scene before telling Traore, who had pleaded his innocence throughout, to focus on making amends.

Traore only remained on the pitch for a further five minutes before manager Francesco Farioli substituted the Burkina Faso international off – along with Brian Brobbey – as he looked to freshen up his squad and ensure that Besiktas were not afforded a route back into the match.

Mika Godts then bagged his second of the night just moments later to put the game to bed as Ajax got off on the right foot on the European stage.

The Eredivisie side have endured a tough start to the season, winning two of their opening four league matches and drawing once. They suffered a shock defeat at the hands of NAC Breda before bouncing back to winning ways with victories over Fortuna Sittard and Go Ahead Eagles.

Farioli’s side will need to improve markedly if they are to compete for the silverware this season though, with title holders PSV Eindhoven winning all of their opening six games of the campaign to assert themselves as favourites to retain their crown.

Feyenoord are also unbeaten in five matches as they look to adjust to life without now-Liverpool boss Arne Slot.



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