Antwerp, Belgium – RSCA Futures fell to a 4-2 defeat against Beerschot on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in a match overshadowed by contentious penalty decisions. RSCA Futures manager Jelle Coen voiced strong concerns over the three spot-kicks awarded to the home side, questioning their legitimacy and suggesting a bias from the officiating crew. The result leaves the Futures squad looking to rebound quickly as they prepare for their next Challenger Pro League fixture.
Three Penalties Spark Controversy
Beerschot secured the victory with four goals, three of which came from the penalty spot, all successfully converted by Brian Plat. Coen, speaking to Het Nieuwsblad, expressed his disbelief at the calls. “The first penalty was very light, the second was well-induced. With the third, the shooting attempt went over and the chance was gone before the hard contact,” he stated, clearly frustrated with the decisions made by the referee.
Coen went further, suggesting that penalties are more readily awarded to Beerschot at their home ground, Kiel. “Such penalties are easier to get called at Kiel for the number three [Beerschot] than elsewhere,” he remarked, a pointed criticism of the officiating standards. The manager’s comments highlight a growing concern about consistency in refereeing within the Challenger Pro League.
Despite the frustration over the penalties, Coen acknowledged that his team didn’t start the match particularly well, attributing this partly to the numerous changes he was forced to make to the starting lineup. Adjusting to a reshuffled squad clearly presented challenges for RSCA Futures in the early stages of the contest.
Fighting Spirit and a Positive Return for Flips
RSCA Futures demonstrated resilience, battling back to narrow the deficit to 3-2, and Coen believed a draw was within reach before Beerschot ultimately sealed the win. The manager emphasized his focus on the positive aspects of the match, aiming to build on those elements as the team prepares to face KAS Eupen.
A significant bright spot for the Futures was the return of Alexis Flips to the pitch. Flips made an appearance as a substitute after completing several weeks of training following a lengthy rehabilitation period. His return provides a boost to the squad’s options and signals a step forward in his recovery. Flips’ re-integration into the team is a welcome development for Coen and the Futures faithful.
While the defeat was disappointing, the match offered valuable lessons and a glimpse of positive momentum. The team’s ability to fight back from a deficit, coupled with the return of a key player in Flips, provides a foundation for improvement as they navigate the remainder of the Challenger Pro League season. The focus now shifts to preparing for the upcoming match against KAS Eupen, where RSCA Futures will aim to translate their fighting spirit into a positive result.
The next challenge for RSCA Futures is an away match against KAS Eupen. The date of the match is not currently available, but updates will be posted on the official RSC Anderlecht website. Fans can follow the team’s progress and receive the latest news through the club’s official channels.
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