Belgian top-flight match suddenly abandoned as stunned players ordered to leave pitch

Friday night’s Jupiler Pro League match between Standard Liege and Royal Antwerp was abandoned by the referee in the 88th minute, with the game now scheduled to be finished next week

Standard Liege and Royal Antwerp players were left stunned when their Jupiler Pro League match was abandoned by the referee with just minutes left to play. All 22 players had to leave the pitch in the 88th minute after a cup was thrown at the referee.

Clips show the official on the touchline dealing with a situation, when a plastic cup comes from the stand and hits him in the upper back. The official immediately looks to the stand, blows his whistle and points towards the dressing room.

As he makes his way across the pitch, he is followed by confused and surprised players from both teams. Some Standard players are then seen looking into the stands, clearly unhappy with the incident.

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Shortly after the abandonment, Standard confirmed the situation in a statement on their official website. They confirmed the game will be finished behind closed doors.

“The Standard – Antwerp match interrupted this Friday evening at the 87th minute will be resumed behind closed doors next Monday or Tuesday for the last minutes of play including extra time, in accordance with the new provisions of the federal regulation,” they said.

“The supporter who tossed the cup on the referee has been identified and the club will initiate a civil stadium ban procedure against him, as well as an action for compensation.”

At the time, Standard Liege were winning the match 1-0, thanks to Rafiki Said’s goal after just 16 seconds. They were, however, down to 10 men with Adnane Abid being shown a straight red card in the 39th minute after a VAR review.

Both Standard Liege and Antwerp have had poor starts to the season. Both have 11 points from their opening 10 games, with Standard only above their rivals, and out of the relegation play-off spots, on goal difference.

Championship side Blackburn Rovers recently had their game abandoned but, unlike the decision in Belgium, will have to replay it. Their Championship home game against Ipswich Town was abandoned in the 80th minute last month due to a waterlogged pitch.

At the time Blackburn were leading 1-0 with Ipswich also down to 10 men. However, the EFL ruled that the game will be replayed in full with the new date set for Tuesday, 2 December.

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