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Onana: Two-goal hero Haller leads Ajax support for banned goalkeeper
The Cameroon international was suspended after failing a doping test and his teammates have aligned with him in his difficult time
Sebastien Haller led Ajax players to support banned goalkeeper Andre Onana before and after their KNVB Cup quarter-final game against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday.
The Cameroon international is serving a one-year suspension after failing a doping test but the shot-stopper has promised to appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Before PSV encounter at Johan Cruyff Arena, Ajax players don shirts which bear Onana's name and number.
Haller scored twice in the encounter to help the Sons of the Gods secure all three points and progress to the next round of the competition.
The Ivory Coast international is hopeful the 24-year-old’s sanction will be reduced and expressed his support for the goalkeeper.
"It is something really really difficult to accept as a football player when people stop you playing football for one year," Haller told Ajax's own media channels, as per BBC Sport.
"It is difficult for him, his family, for everyone around the club - so, of course, we will support him during this thing - and hopefully they will [reduce] the sanction."
Ajax manager Erik ten Hag has also expressed his displeasure with the ban handed to Onana and revealed the club will stand by him during this difficult time.
"It's awful what he has to go through. We feel sorry for him, and we sympathise with him, and we want to give him support," Hag told ESPN.
"Even if he makes a mistake you can still support him. Let him who is without sin cast the first stone. We love him and he's still part of the dressing room.
"There must be extra motivation to bring in trophies because he has a big share in taking us this far."
Onana has been a consistent performer for the Sons of the Gods since his promotion to the first team in 2016.
The goalkeeper has made more than 150 appearances across all competitions, helping them to win a number of laurels including the Eredivisie title.
Onana has played 26 games in the current campaign, keeping nine clean sheets, amid other dazzling displays.
