Jupiler Pro League
The disciplinary committee of the football association has suspended Westerlo striker Nicolas Madsen and Genk defender Joris Kayembe for two matches after the “salon draw” in Het Kuipje. The trainers and captains receive a reprimand, the clubs a fine and the other players are acquitted.
A “laconic” ball from Genk defender Joris Kayembe and a “casual” attempt by Westerlo striker Nicolas Madsen to kick on goal. This was discussed by the disciplinary committee for professional football after the match between Westerlo and Genk on March 17. In the last six minutes of that match, the Genk players passed the ball around without the Westerlo players pressing to win the ball. The most remarkable phase came when Joris Kayembe passed the ball to Nicolas Madsen and he missed a free shooting opportunity. He played the ball back to Kayembe and had to wait until the final signal.
The disciplinary committee imposes an effective suspension of two match days on both players. “As professional athletes, both players must be aware of the impact and consequences of their actions on and off the field,” the decision said. “The phase occurred during a competition match with sporting interests and where the ball was in play when player Nicolas Madsen – whether or not at his request – was laconically passed the ball by his opponent. The fact that he was de facto given a scoring opportunity at that moment, casually feigning a shot on goal, and then passing the ball back to his opponent is odious in every respect.”
AA Ghent screwed
Westerlo and Racing Genk had achieved their season goals and were satisfied with a draw. But for AA Gent, a win over Westerlo would have meant that they could play in the Champions’ Play-offs. Westerlo had nothing left to lose and was left with one more man on the field. The football association’s public prosecutor’s office had brought all players who were on the field during the “salon draw” before the disciplinary committee for professional football. The two trainers and the clubs also had to justify themselves.
The disciplinary committee judges that there is insufficient tangible evidence about agreements between the two trainers. It provides “understanding of the position of both trainers from a purely tactical and strategic point of view”. But they do receive a “reprimand” “because every trainer, as a professional, has an increased responsibility to safeguard the image of football in general at all times and in every situation.” The disciplinary committee found that the trainers should have intervened when they determined that the players were not complying with their sporting obligations.
The captains of both teams, Bryans Heynen (Genk) and Sinan Bolat (Westerlo), also receive a reprimand. The other players are acquitted.
“Very fierce”
The clubs are punished with a fine of 7,500 euros because they are objectively liable for their members. The fact that Westerlo’s Turkish vice-chairman and team manager, according to the match delegate’s report, were “very angry about the behavior of their team during the last six minutes” played in favor of Westerlo’s assessment. The dismissal of Rik De Mil was also included in that assessment.
Because their double pass was the only clear evidence, Joris Kayembe and Nicolas Madsen receive the most severe punishment.
“The Disciplinary Committee takes this reprehensible attitude of both players very seriously. The phase in question was a complete mockery of everything that has to do with the required competitiveness and integrity of football. To judge otherwise would violate the principles of competitive football. It is a phase of the game in which both players participated exclusively and consciously. With their action they have undeniably tarnished the image of Belgian football, its stakeholders and affiliates, as well as football in general,” the decision states.
Racing Genk announced that it accepts the decision and will not appeal. KVC Westerlo is still considering its answer but is inclined to accept the decision.
