Hato committed to a late challenge on the ball when Le Normand intercepted it. The 19-year-old lunged at the ball but only hit Le Normand, prompting referee Glenn Nyberg to send the Dutchman off with a direct red card.
Dutch national team manager Ronald Koeman was unhappy with the red card, but Hato himself thought it was the right decision. "His reaction was excessive, but I thought it was a justified red card. I dribbled up and got a push at the last moment. A fifty-fifty duel ensued, in which I hit him full-on. I knew it was red," Hato told media after the match.
"I blame this on myself. If I could have turned it around, I would have done it."
Mistake
Ajax's youngest centurion in club history committed a costly mistake in the first half by failing to control the ball well and eventually losing it to Lamine Yamal. The teenage superstar's interception set up Nico Williams' opening goal, meaning Hato's mistake came at a huge cost.
"My first touch was not good, causing me problems," Hato continued. "At this level, a mistake like that is lethal and gets punished immediately."
The Netherlands and Spain drew 2-2 in the first leg of the UEFA Nations League quarter-finals. The return will be played this Sunday, March 23rd in Valencia's Estadio Mestalla.
Hato will miss out due to suspension, as will Arsenal's Jurrien Timber due to illness. Aston Villa left-back Ian Maatsen has been called up as Timber's replacement.