Riots and dramatic results at Anderlecht, who find an interim coach in Veldman
The 36-year-old Dutchman Robin Veldman has been appointed interim coach of Anderlecht. The top Belgian club has had its worst start to the season since 1930 and is in deep crisis.
This crisis is not only of a sporting nature. Anderlecht has been in the headlines several times this season because the club’s supporters have misbehaved seriously. On Sunday it was up against Standard Liège again. Anderlecht was 1:3 behind and suffered a regular 0:5 defeat due to fan violence.
The game had to be stopped after Anderlecht supporters threw firecrackers onto the field. There were also fights involving fans of the Brussels club. Twenty fans and three police officers were injured.
The Belgian federation immediately announced that Anderlecht will receive a fine of at least 50,000. It could be higher once the investigation into the abuses in Liège is complete.
It wasn’t the first time that Anderlecht fans showed their worst side this season. Previously, it went wrong in a Conference League game in London against West Ham United. Eleven fans were arrested and one of them was sentenced to eight weeks in prison. UEFA fined the club and two games without fans.
Eight losses
In response to the unrest, Anderlecht said they regret the incidents. “The club strongly condemns these incidents and will engage in dialogue with its supporters in the coming days. Of course, we understand the dissatisfaction of the supporters.”
Because Anderlecht is only twelfth in the Jupiler Pro League after eight defeats in the first fourteen games. The 34-time champion has had his worst start to the season in more than ninety years.
It cost coach Felice Mazzu his job on Monday. The former Royale Union manager was appointed this summer to replace Vincent Kompany, who left Burnley.
Former youth coach Heerenveen and Ajax
The club is looking for a new head coach. Until it is found, Veldman does the honors. The 36-year-old coach has been in charge of the Anderlecht U23 team since last year. Veldman used to be youth coach of Ajax and sc Heerenveen.
Veldman can get to work immediately. Anderlecht plays the Romanian FCSB at home in the Conference League on Thursday. Three days later, Eupen comes to visit the Belgian league.
Source:NOS
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