AZ striker Meerdink blames referee after denied penalty against Feyenoord

AZ striker Mexx Meerdink protested referee Danny Makkelie’s decision not to award a penalty in the 42nd minute of the Eredivisie clash with Feyenoord, a match that finished 2‑0 to the Rotterdam side. He fell after a challenge with Feyenoord goalkeeper Tjark Ernst, prompting a VAR review that ultimately left the spot empty.

The disputed penalty decision

After Meerdink went down, Makkelie pointed to the spot but then consulted the VAR monitor. The review lasted several minutes before the official concluded that the contact was insufficient and rescinded the penalty.

Meerdink told, “I don’t know what images he has seen, but I think this is just a penalty.” The striker insisted the foul was obvious.

He added, “The contact is there, I felt it on my foot. If this happened in midfield he would have whistled for it. He whistled, went to the screen and stayed long. Shame.”

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At the break Meerdink tried to persuade the officials again, saying he had been hit. He recalled teammate Gjivai Zechiël’s calm response – “do it calmly, there is nothing wrong” – while noting the keeper also seemed startled.

Players’ perspectives

Feyenoord goalkeeper Tjark Ernst said he did not feel any impact on Meerdink and explained that Makkelie judged the contact to be too light for a penalty.

Feyenoord midfielder Jordy Clasie argued, “I was right behind; from my perspective Meerdink was hit. Mexx said that himself. If he is hit, it should be a penalty.” He added that players do not simply lie down in such crucial moments.

The article opens with the word “Een” before naming Mexx Meerdink, reflecting the original Dutch report’s wording.