Westerlo , yeah ,that one

[1960maaan]

Bit of controversy coming out of Belgium concerning match fixing of the game between Genk and Westerlo .
The 1-1 draw was handy as both sides needed just a draw for their own reasons. Genk needed a point to qualify for the next round of games, while Westerlo were in need of a point to make sure they were clear of relegation . 
Now some of the older viewers on here may remember  our game with Coventry , well it was that with bells on. While a late equaliser signalled the end of any attacking intent from either side , still echos of our 2-2 , they went further. There seemed to be two opposition players just passing to each other. I would say while we played out with no intention of harming each other, that passing between opposition players makes it feel much worse.

Story below.

 

Belgian football has been hit with a controversial 'fix' scandal as Genk and Westerlo played out a 1-1 draw.

Controversy has hit Belgian football with a reported 'fixed' game on the final day of the league season in a match between Genk and Westerlo. The scandal resulted in players being banned and one member of staff even losing his job.

Both sides went into the Belgian Pro League encounter in need of a point. This would see Westerlo avoid relegation and remain in the division, while Genk needed a draw to secure a place in the Championship round. The home side took the lead in the match through a Ravil Tagir goal in the 80th minute before being pegged back only six minutes later.

Bryan Heynen's strike in the 86th minute seemingly put an end to the game as both sides appeared to stop playing. Several bizarre moments in the closing exchanges didn't seem to add up as players shook hands before the game was even over when they should have been trying to find a winning goal in theory.

The Belgian FA have stepped in and issued fines to all 21 players who were on the pitch at the time, with Genk having been reduced to 10 men earlier in the match. The captains of both sides have also been handed suspensions.

Westerlo have taken drastic action in the aftermath of the game as they announced the sacking of their manager, Rik De Mil. 
The club statement read:
Despite considering long-term collaboration, we found it necessary to make this decision. The club regrets having to take this measure but cannot accept that its values and norms would be questioned. We thank Rik for his performance and dedication, and wish him every success in the future.

The Federal Public Prosecutor's Office shared some harsh words as it was claimed (Per Sporza): "The last five minutes of Westerlo-Genk were a mockery of fair play. This is not only against the rules of the game, it is also manifestly unfair compared to other teams that were still in the running for a Champions' Play-off ticket. The Federal Public Prosecutor's Office classifies this as blatant cheating."

Footage has emerged online of Genk's Joris Kayembe and Nicolas Madsen of Westerlo passing the ball back and forth. According to the Mirror, the duo have been handed larger fines and two-match bans.

Genk's manager, Wouter Vrancken, could be seen laughing on the touchline during the game and has since stated he doesn't feel he or his side had done anything wrong. Vrancken said, per the Daily Mail: "The boys played for the Champions' play-offs. At that moment, we were on the field with 9.5 players. (Christopher) Baah got red and (Bryan) Heynen could barely walk. Then you didn't have to take any risks."

It is yet to be seen if further fines will be handed out or more suspensions will be given to players or staff, but Genk and Westerlo could both have to pay up to £8500 in the wake of the baffling encounter.

[Natchfever]

45 minutes ago, 1960maaan said:

Bit of controversy coming out of Belgium concerning match fixing of the game between Genk and Westerlo .
The 1-1 draw was handy as both sides needed just a draw for their own reasons. Genk needed a point to qualify for the next round of games, while Westerlo were in need of a point to make sure they were clear of relegation . 
Now some of the older viewers on here may remember  our game with Coventry , well it was that with bells on. While a late equaliser signalled the end of any attacking intent from either side , still echos of our 2-2 , they went further. There seemed to be two opposition players just passing to each other. I would say while we played out with no intention of harming each other, that passing between opposition players makes it feel much worse.

Story below.

 

Belgian football has been hit with a controversial 'fix' scandal as Genk and Westerlo played out a 1-1 draw.

Controversy has hit Belgian football with a reported 'fixed' game on the final day of the league season in a match between Genk and Westerlo. The scandal resulted in players being banned and one member of staff even losing his job.

Both sides went into the Belgian Pro League encounter in need of a point. This would see Westerlo avoid relegation and remain in the division, while Genk needed a draw to secure a place in the Championship round. The home side took the lead in the match through a Ravil Tagir goal in the 80th minute before being pegged back only six minutes later.

Bryan Heynen's strike in the 86th minute seemingly put an end to the game as both sides appeared to stop playing. Several bizarre moments in the closing exchanges didn't seem to add up as players shook hands before the game was even over when they should have been trying to find a winning goal in theory.

The Belgian FA have stepped in and issued fines to all 21 players who were on the pitch at the time, with Genk having been reduced to 10 men earlier in the match. The captains of both sides have also been handed suspensions.

Westerlo have taken drastic action in the aftermath of the game as they announced the sacking of their manager, Rik De Mil. 
The club statement read:
Despite considering long-term collaboration, we found it necessary to make this decision. The club regrets having to take this measure but cannot accept that its values and norms would be questioned. We thank Rik for his performance and dedication, and wish him every success in the future.

The Federal Public Prosecutor's Office shared some harsh words as it was claimed (Per Sporza): "The last five minutes of Westerlo-Genk were a mockery of fair play. This is not only against the rules of the game, it is also manifestly unfair compared to other teams that were still in the running for a Champions' Play-off ticket. The Federal Public Prosecutor's Office classifies this as blatant cheating."

Footage has emerged online of Genk's Joris Kayembe and Nicolas Madsen of Westerlo passing the ball back and forth. According to the Mirror, the duo have been handed larger fines and two-match bans.

Genk's manager, Wouter Vrancken, could be seen laughing on the touchline during the game and has since stated he doesn't feel he or his side had done anything wrong. Vrancken said, per the Daily Mail: "The boys played for the Champions' play-offs. At that moment, we were on the field with 9.5 players. (Christopher) Baah got red and (Bryan) Heynen could barely walk. Then you didn't have to take any risks."

It is yet to be seen if further fines will be handed out or more suspensions will be given to players or staff, but Genk and Westerlo could both have to pay up to £8500 in the wake of the baffling encounter.

A draw suited both.

They clearly seem to have gone for it until 86th minute then settled for a draw.

Why take risks to suit 3rd parties when your priorities come first.