Standard's appeal after Charleroi clash tests federation resolve

Le Standard de Liège first accepted the sanctions imposed after the 23 May incident with Sporting Charleroi, but on Wednesday it announced a fresh appeal following the Parquet of the RBFA’s own decision to contest the 24 June disciplinary ruling. The club will face the Conseil Disciplinaire pour le Football Professionnel on 17 July, after a 10,000‑euro fine and a supporter travel ban to Charleroi until 30 June 2028 were confirmed.

The May 23 match between Standard de Liège and Sporting Charleroi erupted into a fiasco, prompting the Comité disciplinaire to levy multiple penalties, including the fine and the travel restriction. The club also warned of a potential 227,000‑euro financial impact if a total closed‑door derby were enforced, underscoring the severity of the fallout.

Initially, Standard issued a communiqué stating it would renounce any further appeal and bear the consequences, citing the heavy financial burden. "En conséquence, indépendamment des sanctions individuelles ciblées… le Standard de Liège renonce à interjeter appel de la décision du 24 juin," the club wrote, referencing its Matricule 16. Manager Pierre François later clarified the club’s stance, noting dialogue with the Famille des Rouches and support from Alain Renard, Président of the Direction.

The Parquet of the RBFA, however, decided to file an appeal, prompting Standard to follow suit to protect its interests and argue the legal question of objective responsibility. "Nous regrettons que ce point de vue ne soit pas partagé par le Parquet de la Fédération," François said, adding that the club will defend its position before the Conseil Disciplinaire.

Preparing for the new season, Standard resumed training and announced its first league fixture on 8 August against Cercle Bruges at the Sclessin stadium, scheduled for 18:15. The match will be partially closed to the public, with blocks E3, D3 and F3 excluded, unless the appeal alters the sanction.

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