Nigeria Players Abroad
Club Brugge gaffer, skipper back Frank Onyedika despite cruel red card
By Saheed Afolabi
Club Brugge coach Nicky Hayen and captain Hans Vanaken have come to the defense of Raphael Onyedika following his controversial red card in the 1-1 draw against Sporting Charleroi on Friday night.
Onyedika was sent off in the 55th minute for what the referee deemed a severe tackle.
Hayen criticized the decision, describing it as “extremely harsh” and argued that a yellow card would have been more appropriate.
“That is never a red card. Yes, he goes in hard, but not with the studs on the ankle. That was not a dangerous action, and he also touches the ball,” he explained.
Vanaken echoed his coach’s sentiments, stating that the foul did not warrant a red card and that the referee had overreacted.
“I think yellow was certainly enough,” he said.
Despite being reduced to ten men for over half an hour, Vanaken managed to score a dramatic equalizer in the 90th minute, salvaging a point for the team.
Onyedika, however, is set to miss the next three matches against Union St Gilloise, Westerloo, and Anderlecht due to the suspension.
