Club Brugge manager, Nicky Hayen has expressed dismay over the red card given to Nigerian midfielder, Raphael Onyedika in Saturday's match against Sporting Charleroi, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Onyedika was dismissed in the 55th minute for a robust tackle, which Hayen deemed excessive punishment.
"That is never a red card," Hayen said post-match. "Yes, he goes in hard, but not with the studs on the ankle. That was not a dangerous action and he also touches the ball."
Hayen argued a yellow card would have sufficed, emphasizing Onyedika's intention was not malicious.
"It is not that he hits him full on the ankle or the foot. I think yellow was certainly enough."
The sending-off will result in a three-match suspension for the defensive midfielder, forcing him to miss crucial league encounters against Union St Gilloise, Westerloo, and Anderlecht.
Hayen's criticism highlights the controversy surrounding the decision, sparking debate on the fairness of the referee's call.
Brugge will now have to navigate these key fixtures without their key midfielder, potentially impacting their league campaign.
By Olujimi Dare Ogun