The Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office has spoken out about the red cards during the Easter weekend. For example, Antwerp defender Owen Wijndal risks three matchday suspension, one of which is effective and two of which are postponed.
Just before half time in Anderlecht-Antwerp, Owen Wijndal headbutted Thorgan Hazard, who fell to the ground. After VAR intervention, the Dutchman received a straight red card.
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“There is not the slightest doubt that the player Wijndal deliberately headbutted his opponent,” the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office ruled. “Such an attitude (regardless of the intensity of the headbutt and/or the theatrical reaction of the victim) never has its place on a football field. The player Wijndal is a professional player and must control himself at all times, even when provoked.” The only mitigating factor is that the player has no previous suspensions.
READ ALSO. “Antwerp dictated the law in the Lotto Park for a long time, which makes Wijndal’s exclusion extra painful”
The penalty proposed is three matchdays suspension, one of which is effective and two with postponement and a fine of 2,000 euros. Antwerp can still oppose the proposal. If not, Wijndal will be missing in the next match, Saturday evening against Genk.
Tougher punishment for Burgess
Christian Burgess also has his punishment proposal: two effective match days and one postponed, plus a 2,500 euro fine. Union has already announced that it does not agree.
In the last minutes of Genk-Union, Burgess was allowed to take a throw-in at the corner flag at his own goal and he threw the ball from close range into the face of Tolu Arokodare. Referee Nicolas Laforge gave him a straight red card, to the defender’s disbelief.
The Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office assists the referee. “Such an action, regardless of the intensity, has no place on a football field,” writes the Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office, which also believes that Tolu’s physical integrity has been endangered.
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