RSC Anderlecht has kicked off its campaign in the Champions’ Play-Offs with an important victory. The record champion defeated defending champion Antwerp FC 1-0 on Saturday evening. Although there was a lot to do about the red card that the visitors received just before half time.
The first minutes of the Champions’ Play-Offs were not exactly of a high standard. Although Antwerp started the match in the Lotto Park best, they hardly created any danger on goal. Anderlecht played out of the reaction, but it did not get further than a few pinpricks.
However, a turning point occurred at the end of the first period. Owen Wijndal got into a fight with Thorgan Hazard on the sidelines and made an unnecessary movement with his head. Hazard eagerly responded and theatrically crashed to the ground, causing Wijndal to receive a red card after analyzing the images.
Red exaggerated
That exclusion played a major role in the course of the match. With one more man between the lines, RSCA was able to pull the match towards itself and then take the definitive lead. It also missed the necessary opportunities to further deepen that lead. Afterwards there was considerable discussion about the arbitration decision.
Antwerp captain Toby Alderweireld, for example, did not think it was a red card at all and mainly targeted ref Lawrence Visser. And ex-referee Serge Gumienny also shares that opinion. “What Wijndal does is extremely stupid, but to draw red for that? Sorry, I think that is exaggerated. Yes, he makes a nodding movement, but I think it is a bridge too far to judge that as aggressive behavior.” The Importance of Limburg.
Theater piece Hazard
Hazard’s role in particular was crucial in this phase. By collapsing ostentatiously to the ground, he undoubtedly influenced the arbitration decision. “Hazard seeks confrontation, stands nose to nose with his opponent and then drops theatrically. An action with which he not only offends Wijndal, but also the referee. A firm scolding or, if necessary, two yellow cards would have been sufficient here,” Gumienny judges.
