Standard Liege and Royal Antwerp players were left bewildered when their Jupiler Pro League match was abruptly halted by the referee with only minutes remaining. The game came to an unexpected halt in the 88th minute after a cup was hurled at the referee, forcing all 22 players to vacate the pitch.
Footage showed that the official on the touchline was managing a situation when a plastic cup was launched from the crowd, striking him in the upper back. The referee instantly turns towards the stand, blows his whistle and signals towards the changing rooms. As he navigates his way across the field, he is trailed by perplexed and astonished players from both sides. Several Standard players were subsequently seen peering into the stands, evidently displeased with the incident.
Shortly following the abrupt termination, Standard clarified the situation in a statement on their official website. They confirmed that the match will be concluded behind closed doors.
“The Standard – Antwerp match interrupted this Friday evening at the 87th minute will be resumed behind closed doors next Monday or Tuesday for the last minutes of play including extra time, in accordance with the new provisions of the federal regulation,” they announced.
“The supporter who tossed the cup on the referee has been identified and the club will initiate a civil stadium ban procedure against him, as well as an action for compensation.”
Standard Liege were leading the match 1-0 at the time, courtesy of a goal from Rafiki Said just 16 seconds into the game. However, they were reduced to 10 men when Adnane Abid was sent off in the 39th minute following a VAR review.
Both Standard Liege and Antwerp have had disappointing starts to their campaigns, each with 11 points from their first 10 matches. Only goal difference keeps Standard above their rivals and out of the relegation play-off spots.
In a similar incident, Championship team Blackburn Rovers recently saw their match abandoned, but unlike the Belgian decision, they will have to replay it.
Their home game against Ipswich Town was called off in the 80th minute last month due to a waterlogged pitch.
Blackburn were ahead 1-0 at the time, with Ipswich also down to 10 men. Nevertheless, the EFL has ruled that the match will be replayed in its entirety, with the rescheduled date set for Tuesday, December 2.
