Standard’s title chase rattled by disputed penalty decision

Standard’s title hopes take a hit as a disputed penalty in the 102nd minute of the KV Mechelen‑Standard clash hands KV Mechelen a point and costs Standard two points, sparking outrage from the club’s hierarchy.

The penalty decision

In the 102nd minute, referee Bram Van Driessche placed the ball on the spot after a contact between Standard goalkeeper Matthieu Epolo and KV Mechelen attacker Adeshina Ayodele. The home side KV Mechelen were already trailing 3‑3 and were pushing for an equaliser.

VAR official Wesli De Cremer examined the incident for three minutes before signalling the referee to review the footage on the screen. After the review, Van Driessche blew for a penalty.

KV Mechelen striker Van Brederode converted the spot‑kick, securing a point for the visitors while Standard lost two points in the standings.

Official and expert reactions

Scheidsrechtersbaas Jonathan Lardot defended the decision, acknowledging that three minutes was “too long” but insisting the phase was decisive and required careful assessment. He argued that Epolo did not clearly control the ball and therefore the penalty was correct.

Marc Wilmots, sport director of Standard, called the explanation “hallucinant” and said it showed a “lack of football insight”. Speaking to Sudinfo, he said he felt “robbed”.

Analist Frank Boeckx also disagreed, stating that Epolo clearly touched the ball and that the penalty was not a “clear error”. He described the situation as a “lucky dive” and warned against “low‑cost penalties”.

Benito Raman’s through pass set up Ayodele’s run, and the incident was later dissected on the football podcast. Jordi De KoninckSportjournalist of HLN18 reported the episode, and the discussion continued on the app.

The article also noted a nearby rumor that Diego Moreira is heading to AC Milan, illustrating the broader buzz surrounding Belgian football.