Patro Eisden and coach Stijn Stijnen were sanctioned by the Union Prosecutor’s Office due to unsporting practices during the Cup match against Charleroi.
Charleroi lost 4-1 in the Cup at Patro Eisden. The Carolos were entitled to a changing room heated “to 30 degrees” and closed toilets. For these infractions, the Public Prosecutor’s Office is requesting a fine of 5,000 euros for the club. According to the Prosecutor’s Office, Patro violated the rules of fair play.
“The club behaved in a particularly unsporting manner and disregarded the principles of fair play,” said the prosecution. Le Patro and Stijnen are said to have used similar tactics in the past, leading to increased punishment. “It’s an insult to fair preparation between two teams.”
In addition, Stijnen personally faces a fine of 2,500 euros for his part in the events. He was strongly criticized by the Prosecutor’s Office for his attitude. “Everything is done to disrupt the opponent physically and mentally. This spectacle harms the image of Belgian football.”
Stijnen himself does not seem to deny the facts and justified the approach as a deliberate strategy. “Do everything possible to be an unpleasant opponent in our own way and thus achieve victory,” he reacted. According to the Prosecutor’s Office, his reaction confirms the unsporting intention behind these practices.
The case has yet to be judged, but the sanctions requested by the prosecution are already severe. Le Patro and Stijnen thus risk financial sanctions and are invited to respect fair play in the future.
