KAS Eupen still have to worry about their victory in Molenbeek because opposing fans caused chaos. A special and hitherto unknown challenge for former Bundesliga coach Florian Kohfeldt
Other countries, other customs – Florian Kohfeldt is currently experiencing this in a painful way as coach of Belgian first division club KAS Eupen. The team of the former Bremen and Wolfsburg Bundesliga coach was leading 1-0 in the basement duel at RWD Molenbeek on Sunday evening when fans of the home side provoked a game stoppage after 85 minutes by throwing several firecrackers
By the way, it was even announced: the supporters had already threatened on social media before kick-off that the game would not be allowed to reach its regular conclusion if RWDM did not win. No sooner said than done, with consequences for Molenbeek in the form of a fine of 50,000 euros and disciplinary proceedings with the association.
In sporting terms, however, the host club, which is on the losing side, could even benefit from the rioting of its chaotic supporters. According to the league regulations in Belgium, the match will not be scored in favor of Eupen, who were in the lead and completely uninvolved in the abandonment. Instead: The remaining five minutes or so will be played on Wednesday afternoon at 3 p.m. without the public on site.
130-kilometer journey into the unknown for five minutes of remaining time
As a result, Kohfeldt and his professionals will once again have to make the 130-kilometer journey to Brussels, which will also be a journey into the unknown from a sporting perspective. This is because both teams are allowed to choose any, theoretically completely new line-up for the remainder of the season. The only exceptions: Players who were originally suspended for the match and those who have already been substituted during the match are no longer eligible to play. The Eupener Grenzecho understandably considers the entire regulation to be an “embarrassment for Belgian soccer”. After all, this opens the door to manipulation by disappointed fans – or rather hooligans.
Eupen’s club director Christoph Henkel told Belgian Radio on Sunday in an emphatically diplomatic manner: “A difficult situation for everyone involved. We have no choice but to take things as they are. We will go there and try to get through the five minutes successfully and ultimately win the game. “
