The Amsterdam club were 2-0 down after just eight minutes before eventually succumbing 5-2 in heavy rain at Abe Lenstra Stadion.

To add insult to injury, Gregory van Der Wiel was sent off in the closing minutes for Ajax and Van Basten was unable to hide his anger at the performance.

"It is unbelievable you can let yourself be slaughtered like they did against Heerenveen," said the former Holland coach.

"I had the idea they were playing for the first time in the rain. You get the feeling they are fair-weather players.

"It was a drama, totally incomprehensible. I've never been part of such a slaughter party before. Humiliating.

"This is a totally new experience for me. I don't understand a bit of it how you can let yourself be humiliated like they did, as Ajax players.

"I hadn't even sat on my chair and we were already 2-0 behind. After that you barely saw a reaction from the team. They were looking at each other and doing nothing to help one another.

"For me it's confirmation these players are not educated in mental defence. We need a new mentality and quality."