Belgian Pro League Match Halted After Referee Struck by Object

Unprecedented Scene in Liège: Match Abandoned After Referee Hit

On Friday, October 17, 2025, the Belgian Pro League witnessed a shocking turn of events during the match between Standard Liège and Royal Antwerp. With just three minutes left in regulation time, referee Lothar D’Hondt was struck by a plastic cup thrown from the stands, prompting the immediate abandonment of the match. At that crucial moment, Standard Liège was holding a narrow 1-0 lead over their rivals.

Incident Escalates: A Night of Disruption

The evening had already been marred by unruly behavior from the crowd. In the first half, play was interrupted for nearly ten minutes as objects were thrown onto the pitch, forcing D’Hondt to pause the game and warn supporters about the consequences of their actions. Despite the official’s appeals, the situation escalated late in the second half when the plastic cup struck the referee, leaving him with no choice but to call off the match.

The decision to abandon the match surprised both players and coaching staff, many of whom were left frustrated by the sudden halt. The atmosphere at Stade Maurice Dufrasne quickly shifted from anticipation to confusion and disappointment, as both teams had fought hard for a result in a closely contested fixture.

New League Rules Enforced: Match to Resume Behind Closed Doors

This incident was handled under the Belgian Pro League’s revised regulations, which were introduced in 2022 to address crowd disturbances more effectively. According to the new rules, if a match is abandoned due to fan misconduct, the remaining minutes must be played at a later date, but with no spectators allowed in attendance. The league’s official statement clarified the intent behind this policy: “The sporting principle prevails: the outcome of a match is decided on the pitch, not in the courtroom.” The remaining three minutes, plus any additional stoppage time, will be played on Monday afternoon in an empty stadium, ensuring that the final result is determined by the players rather than off-field events.

This approach is designed to maintain the integrity of competition while sending a clear message that disruptive fan behavior will not be tolerated. By removing supporters from the equation in such circumstances, the league hopes to deter future incidents and protect the safety of match officials and players alike.

Reactions from Standard Liège: Frustration and Disappointment

Marc Wilmots, the sporting director of Standard Liège, voiced his concerns after the match was abandoned. In a post-match interview, Wilmots lamented the referee’s decision, stating, “The players fight all match, and because someone throws something, you blow the whistle? I’m disappointed, especially for Belgian football. Now the referees are the stars. It’s starting to get on my nerves.”

Wilmots’ comments reflect a broader frustration within the club, as the team was on course for a valuable victory before the late interruption. Many within Belgian football have echoed his sentiments, questioning whether the strict enforcement of the new rules is the best way to handle such situations, or if more nuanced measures should be considered.

Swift Action: Offending Supporter Identified and Banned

In the aftermath of the incident, Standard Liège moved quickly to address the misconduct. The club identified the individual responsible for throwing the cup and announced their intention to impose a civil stadium ban on the supporter. In addition to barring the individual from attending future matches, the club also plans to seek financial compensation for the disruption caused and any potential damage to its reputation.

Such decisive action underscores the club’s commitment to upholding standards of behavior within its fanbase. Standard Liège’s response serves as a warning to others about the serious consequences of disruptive actions, as Belgian football continues to grapple with the challenge of maintaining order in stadiums.

Broader Implications: Belgian Football at a Crossroads

The events in Liège have reignited debate across Belgium about the best way to balance fan engagement with the need for security and fair play. While football is celebrated for its passionate supporters, recent incidents have highlighted the risks that come with poor crowd control. The league’s policy of resuming abandoned matches behind closed doors is part of a broader effort to reinforce the principle that results should be settled on the field, not by external factors.

This approach is not without controversy, however. Critics argue that punishing all fans by excluding them from the stadium may not address the root causes of such behavior, and could diminish the atmosphere that makes Belgian football unique. Others, however, maintain that strict measures are necessary to protect the integrity of the sport and the safety of everyone involved.

Looking Ahead: Ensuring Safe and Fair Competition

As the Belgian Pro League prepares to resume the final moments of the Standard Liège vs. Royal Antwerp match, all eyes will be on the outcome—both on the scoreboard and in terms of future policy. The handling of this incident sets a precedent not only for Belgium but for other leagues facing similar challenges worldwide.

Clubs, supporters, and league officials alike will be watching closely to see whether these measures prove effective in deterring further incidents and preserving the spirit of the game. The hope is that, moving forward, Belgian football can continue to thrive in an environment that values both passion and respect.

For more on this story and official league updates, visit the Belgian Pro League’s website:
Belgian Pro League Official Site.

Additional reporting can be found at:
BBC Sport: Football.