Again no advertisement for Belgian football, this Union-Beerschot. About ten minutes before the end, Beerschot supporters threw projectiles onto the field and some even clashed with supporters from the home section. The police and stewards intervened, but the visiting crowd could not be calmed. Referee Boucaut definitively stopped the match at a 0-0 score, although the three points will most likely be for Union.
All ingredients were present on Sunday evening for a successful football evening in the Duden Park: sun, lots of beer, and festivities. The Union supporters were already celebrating before the match: the ‘Zwanze Parade’, a procession to celebrate last year’s title in 1B and the first place in the regular competition, started in the afternoon. Nothing suggested that this football Sunday would eventually have to be discontinued.
But until that 82nd minute, football was still being played, and Union had to score another three-pointer at home. In any case, Vanzeir was immediately in the match, and should have had an assist just past the quarter of an hour: after a good move he put back fine until Marcq, but he missed the small back line from inside. incomprehensible.
It was also the first big chance of the match: only Nielsen and Machida had already stuck their noses in the window, but without too much danger on the goal. Union had the game firmly in their hands, and the people of Brussels tried to make their way forward with enthusiasm.
Almost world goal
If any team deserved the lead, it was Union. But in no time at all, the competition director got the lid on the nose after a genius idea from Shankland. The Scotsman checked the midfield midfielder’s chest and made a blistering strike, but the crossbar saved. Just not a world goal.
The rest of the first half was unnecessary: the home side still tried, but in the last part of the field they lacked precision. Only Lazare made another attempt, but Lejoly took the lead without any problems.
In the second half, the Unionists tried to create a little more threat, to avoid another loss of points at home. It resulted in a pleasant start to the second half: Undav came close to the redeeming 1-0 after just two minutes, but Lejoly had a nice parade on the German’s header. On the other side, Sanusi also got into firing position, but his low slide flew just next to Moris’ cage. And suddenly it went fast: Lazare had a brilliant dribble and made a fine pass to Nieuwkoop, but the Dutchman was unable to frame his shot.
Time was slowly running out for Union, which was kicking it up a notch. Vanzeir had a good double chance, but initially his shot was parried by Lejoly and the following corner he nodded over.
Match marred by fan violence
Union bit his teeth and pulled the card of the attack even more in the closing quarters. Ten minutes before the end, Undav lay down after a tackle in the box, but both referee Boucaut and the VAR saw no problem. Afterwards, the inhabitants of Brussels pumped some balls into the sixteen, but real threats were no longer possible. And then the lights went out for dozens of Beerschot supporters: they threw projectiles onto the field and fought with home supporters, and the stewards and police had to intervene. The match had to be stopped: again no advertising for Belgian football. There is a real chance that Beerschot will get a forfeit defeat around the ears.
Foto: Isosport
