Club Brugge head coach Nicky Hayen has come to the defense of Nigeria’s Super Eagles midfielder Ralph Onyedika following his red card in the team’s draw against Charleroi.
Onyedika was sent off in the 57th minute for a reckless challenge, but both Hayen and team captain Hans Vanaken have labeled the decision as “harsh.”
Hayen expressed his disagreement with the referee’s ruling, stating that Onyedika did not commit a foul.
“It’s a tough verdict; I just watched the footage. He goes in with his foot, but it’s on the ground. There’s no contact. It’s a very tough decision,” he explained.
Vanaken echoed his coach’s sentiments, saying, “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 touched the ball. It’s not that he hits him full on the ankle or the foot. I think a yellow card was certainly enough.”
As a result of the red card, Onyedika will miss Brugge’s next three matches, including a crucial encounter against Union St Gilloise next week, as well as upcoming ties against Westerlo and Anderlecht following the international break.
