Photo: nytimes.com
Match Halted: Cup-throwing Incident Leads to Abandonment of Standard Liège Clash
The Belgian First Division A match between Standard Liège and Royal Antwerp F.C. was abandoned after a cup was thrown at referee Lothar DHondt, raising concerns about fan behavior.
- The match was halted in the 87th minute, with Standard Liège leading 1-0, after referee Lothar DHondt was struck by a plastic cup thrown from the stands.
- Following the incident at the Maurice Dufrasne Stadium, Standard Liège announced that the remaining minutes of the match will be played behind closed doors on Monday or Tuesday.
- This incident highlights ongoing issues with fan conduct in the Belgian First Division A, prompting discussions about safety measures at sporting events.
Why It Matters
The abandonment of this match underscores the ongoing challenges of maintaining safety and decorum in sports environments, particularly in the Belgian First Division A, where such incidents can have broader implications for fan engagement and league reputations.