The Belgian Football Federation’s disciplinary committee has proposed an alternative sanction in the form of an action plan for Royal Antwerp Football Club following incidents involving its fans.
During a match against Club Brugge on 18 August, Antwerp supporters threw pyrotechnics towards home fans and Club Brugge player Gustaf Nilsson.
At the end of the game in Jan Breydelstadion, a second yellow card for Antwerp defender Denis Odoi sparked trouble. Nilsson, who had just scored a penalty, lay on the pitch when a firework, launched from the visitors' section, bounced over him. Two more fireworks were fired towards the home fans, injuring two people.
Ebe Verhaegen, the federal prosecutor, has proposed that clubs take responsibility for preventing such incidents. Instead of the usual fines or matches without supporters, Antwerp has been asked to develop an action plan outlining future preventative measures.
Antwerp agreed to the proposal, having demonstrated a commitment to addressing misconduct. Without any precedent for such cases, the chairman of the disciplinary committee postponed the matter to 5 November. On that day, Antwerp will present its action plan, which the committee will review to determine if it meets the specified requirements.
Should it fall short, a €10,000 fine and two away matches without supporters will be imposed as a deterrent.
