In a dramatic clash in the Pro League on Sunday, April 20, 2025, Union Sint-Gillis defeated RC Genk 2-1, stripping Genk of their long-held top position in the league. The match, however, will be remembered not just for the result but for an unsportsmanlike incident that marred the final moments of the game, sparking outrage and prompting an investigation by the Belgian football association (KBVB).
The action unfolded in injury time when Genk, trailing by a goal, was pushing for an equalizer. As Zakaria El Ouahdi made a run towards the midfield, a second ball was thrown onto the pitch from the Union dugout, disrupting the play. This reckless act led to the ejection of Ibrahim Fadili, a material man for Union, who took responsibility for the incident and received a red card. Reports suggest that Fadili may have acted to protect a teammate from punishment, but the video evidence shows he did not touch the ball.
Jarne Steuckers of RC Genk expressed his discontent after the match, stating, "This happens normally only in amateur football. It’s not the reason we lost, but it is very unprofessional. You can do a lot to secure a victory, but this is not one of them." His sentiments were echoed by teammate Matte Smets, who remarked, "I don’t think I’ve ever experienced something like this. If that’s how they want to play, it’s unfortunate." Noah Sadiki, a player for Union, also weighed in, saying, "I have to laugh about it now since we won, but from a sporting perspective, it’s certainly not the best thing you can do. It’s not realistic that something like this happened. The nerves were high, even on the bench."
The tension between the two teams spilled over into the post-match press conference, where both coaches exchanged heated words. Thorsten Fink, the head coach of Genk, criticized Union's actions as unfair, stating, "This is on another level. I am very dissatisfied with Union's behavior." In response, Union's coach Sébastien Pocognoli rebuffed Fink’s claims, stating, "You shouldn't say such things. That’s not right. We are real. Really." However, Pocognoli later acknowledged the incident wasn’t commendable, saying, "It wasn’t pretty, and we need to admit that. I discussed it in the locker room; it wasn’t planned. I apologized to the referee. Who did it? I think it was someone from the staff. Maybe a player. I really don’t know."
This unsportsmanlike behavior has not only overshadowed the match but has also reignited the title race in the Pro League. With this victory, Club Brugge has taken over the top spot in the league standings, leaving Genk and Union trailing just two points behind. Genk had held the lead for an impressive 28 matches before this slip-up, and now they face the pressure of reclaiming their position as the season nears its climax.
The game itself had been a fierce contest, with both teams displaying high intensity and physicality. Genk had already faced disappointment the previous week, losing to Club Brugge in a match that was described as high-quality and fair. In contrast, the encounter with Union was marred by controversy and contentious refereeing decisions, including a disputed penalty awarded against Genk, which heightened frustrations among the players and fans alike.
As the match progressed into its final minutes, tensions reached a boiling point. The incident involving the second ball not only disrupted the flow of the game but also led to a significant escalation in emotions on both sides. Former referee Serge Gumienny commented on a separate incident involving Genk's Ibrahim Bangoura, who went in with a dangerous challenge on Union's Fedde Leysen. Despite the severity of the tackle, Bangoura received no card, which many, including Gumienny, felt should have warranted at least a yellow card, if not a red. "Genk got away with that phase where Bangoura nearly injured his opponent," he remarked. "That should have been punished with a card. He caught that player with his studs in the stomach. It was a dangerous action that should always be penalized."
As the dust settles on this controversial match, the KBVB’s investigation into the second ball incident is expected to provide clarity and accountability for actions that many in the football community view as unacceptable. The outcome of this inquiry could have ramifications not only for the individuals involved but also for the integrity of the league itself.
Looking ahead, both teams face crucial matches that will determine their fate in the Pro League. Genk, now under pressure to reclaim their former glory, must regroup and refocus as they prepare for their next challenge. Meanwhile, Union will aim to build on this victory and maintain their momentum in the title race.
As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these events unfold and what impact they will have on the championship battle. With the stakes higher than ever, the drama of Belgian football continues to captivate audiences across the nation.
