What Happened When a Cup Hit the Referee at Standard-Antwerp?

In a dramatic turn of events in the Belgian Pro League, referee Lothar D'hondt was struck by a thrown cup, leading to the abandonment of the match between Standard Liege and Royal Antwerp in the 87th minute. The decision to halt the game came while Standard Liege was leading 1-0, and the match is set to resume behind closed doors for the final minutes. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about fan behaviour at sporting events.

Last updated: 30 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Referee Lothar D'hondt abandoned the match after being struck by a cup.
• The game will resume on Monday at 14:00 BST without fans present.
• A supporter has been identified and will face a stadium ban and possible compensation claims.
• This incident marks the third time items were thrown on the pitch during the match.
• Standard Liege took an early lead before facing disciplinary issues with a player red card.

Background of the Incident

The match took place at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne, where tensions were palpable. Standard Liege had taken an early lead just one minute into the match, thanks to a goal from Rafiki Said. However, the atmosphere soured when Adnane Abid received a red card in the 40th minute, putting the home team at a numerical disadvantage.

As the match progressed, fans' frustrations grew, leading to a series of unfortunate events. In the latter stages of the game, a cup was thrown from the stands, striking referee Lothar D'hondt. This incident triggered an immediate response, resulting in the match being abandoned with just three minutes left on the clock.

League Regulations and Next Steps

According to Belgian Pro League regulations, matches that are abandoned due to fan behaviour must be resumed at a later date rather than forfeited. The league announced that the match will recommence on Monday at 14:00 BST, but behind closed doors, ensuring no further disruptions from the stands. This decision aims to maintain the integrity of the competition while addressing the serious issue of fan misconduct.

Club and Fan Reactions

Standard Liege has taken a firm stance following the incident. The club has identified the supporter responsible for throwing the cup and is initiating civil proceedings for a stadium ban and potential compensation. In their official statement, they expressed disappointment over the actions of a small number of fans that tarnished the experience for the majority.

Additionally, it is noteworthy that this was not an isolated incident; the match had already seen cups thrown onto the pitch on two previous occasions. Referee D'hondt had previously paused the game to address the crowd, emphasising the need for spectators to refrain from such behaviour. Despite these warnings, the situation escalated, leading to the abandonment of the match.

Impact on the Teams

For Standard Liege, this incident not only disrupts their match against Royal Antwerp but also affects team morale and reputation. A leading position in the match was compromised, especially after losing a player to a red card. The resumption of the game under closed doors will further challenge the team, as they will need to maintain focus away from their home crowd.

Royal Antwerp, on the other hand, will look to capitalise on the situation when the match resumes. With a numerical advantage and the game still within reach, they will be eager to overturn the scoreline if presented the opportunity.

Broader Implications for Belgian Football

This incident underscores a troubling trend in Belgian football regarding fan conduct. The league and clubs are under pressure to ensure that matches are safe and enjoyable for all attendees. Notably, incidents of this nature can lead to stricter regulations and potential penalties for clubs whose supporters engage in violent or disruptive behaviour.

Furthermore, the response from Standard Liege and the league may set a precedent for how similar incidents are handled in the future. The commitment to addressing fan behaviour, along with the emphasis on protecting match officials, is crucial in restoring faith in the sport.

Conclusion

The abandonment of the match between Standard Liege and Royal Antwerp due to fan behaviour serves as a significant reminder of the impact that supporters can have on the game. As the league prepares for the resumption of the match, both clubs will need to reflect on this incident and work towards ensuring a positive environment for players, officials, and fans alike. How the situation is managed will play a vital role in shaping the future of fan engagement in Belgian football.

#BelgianFootball #StandardLiege #FanBehaviour

FAQs

What happened during the Standard Liege vs Royal Antwerp match?

The match was abandoned after referee Lothar D'hondt was hit by a cup thrown by a fan while Standard Liege was leading 1-0. The game will resume later for the final minutes.

When will the match resume?

The match is scheduled to resume on Monday at 14:00 BST behind closed doors, meaning no fans will be present during the final minutes of play.

What actions is Standard Liege taking against the supporter?

Standard Liege has identified the supporter responsible for throwing the cup and is initiating proceedings for a civil stadium ban and potential compensation claims against them.

What are the league rules regarding abandoned matches?

In the Belgian Pro League, matches abandoned due to fan behaviour must be resumed at a later date rather than forfeited, ensuring that the outcome is determined on the pitch.

What was the initial score before the match was abandoned?

Standard Liege was leading 1-0 before the match was abandoned in the 87th minute.