The duel in Jan Breydel between AA Gent and Cercle Brugge started with an impressive tribute to Miguel Van Damme, the goalkeeper of Cercle who died last week.
The match itself immediately started with fireworks. Tarik Tissoudali gave Ghent the lead after just three minutes, but Cercle equalized almost immediately thanks to Thibo Somers. He scored, whether or not from offside, after a corner kick.
“As is now known, there was a problem with one of the cameras, which is to ensure that offside phases can be correctly judged. The Arbitration Department has confirmed to us that the MediaPro cameraman was not in position in time, because he was also used when filming the tribute to Miguel Van Damme,” writes Ghent on its website.
As a result, VAR was unable to draw the offside line. According to the Arbitration Department, the procedure was followed correctly. “Because it was impossible to see with the naked eye whether this was offside or not, the VAR had no choice but to follow the decision on the field.”
Nevertheless, AA Gent does not want to simply resign itself to the procedures. “On the images that are available, according to Ghent, it seems that it is offside,” argues the club.
“The success or failure of an entire season does not usually depend on a particular stage, but in this case it is a crucial moment in a crucial game.”
“The decision taken may have major consequences for our club, both sportingly and financially. KAA Gent is therefore currently considering the situation and the grounds for any further steps.”
