Sporting Charleroi were able to breathe a little easier after their 1-0 victory against KVC Westerlo, a success which gave them a little respite. The Zebras have thus managed to somewhat alleviate a tense situation within the club. However, supporters were surprisingly very critical of Mehdi Bayat.
Tensions around Mehdi Bayat in Charleroi
The hard core of Charleroi supporters are seeking to get rid of Mehdi Bayat, the club’s CEO, and their hostility towards him is not new. For several seasons, he has been the target of virulent criticism from them and currently finds himself under great pressure.
Pierre-Yves Hendrickx defends Bayat
Pierre-Yves Hendrickx, administrative director of Charleroi and close collaborator of Bayat, spoke of this tense atmosphere in the columns of The Last Hour. He came to Bayat’s defense, acknowledging that the situation is not easy for the club. “This victory is deserved. We had to take points to get out of the red zone and above all regain confidence. The situation is complicated within the club. In modern football, fans are increasingly taking power,” he observed.
A limited budget
Hendrickx believes fans have inflated expectations. “Charleroi must find financial means to progress. In July, we made twelve transfers on a very small budget, which is not a bad record for a fan of the club. We must keep our feet on the ground,” he added.
Charleroi’s current position in the league
After seventeen days, Charleroi ranks tenth in the Jupiler Pro League. The Carolos are four points behind sixth, KV Mechelen, and only one point ahead of thirteenth, OH Louvain.
