Referee Abandons Belgian Top Flight Match After being Struck by Cup From Fan

A Belgian top-flight fixture was brought to a premature halt on Friday evening after the referee was hit by a cup thrown from the stands, leaving players from both sides incensed.

The incident occurred in the 87th minute of the match between Standard Liege and Royal Antwerp at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne.

The home side, Standard Liege, had been leading 1-0 since the opening minute thanks to a goal from Rafik Said. However, their task was made more difficult when Adnane Abid was sent off just before halftime, reducing them to ten men.

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As Antwerp pushed for a late equaliser, referee Lothar D’Hondt was standing near the touchline during a break in play. A cup was then launched from the crowd, striking the 31-year-old official on the back. D'Hondt immediately blew his whistle and gestured for the players to head to the tunnel, abandoning the match.

The decision sparked frustration from both teams. Antwerp's players, who were on the verge of a potential comeback, protested the stoppage. Meanwhile, Standard Liege's players were visibly devastated that their hard-fought lead might be for nothing.

Defender Ibe Hautekiet dropped to his knees in despair, while goalkeeper Matthieu Epolo and midfielder Tobias Mohr confronted their own supporters over the reckless act.

Following a rule implemented in the Belgian top flight in 2022, a decision was made regarding the fixture's conclusion. The match will resume from the 87th minute on Monday at 3 p.m. local time, but will be played behind closed doors.

Standard Liege later confirmed they had identified the individual responsible for throwing the cup. "The supporter who threw the cup at the referee has been identified," the club stated. "The club will initiate civil stadium ban proceedings against him, as well as an action for compensation."

The match featured former Chelsea youth player Henry Lawrence for Standard Liege and ex-Tottenham striker Vincent Janssen for Royal Antwerp.