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Robin van Persie was left furious after his Heerenveen side found themselves momentarily playing against 12 men during their Eredivisie clash against Fortuna Sittard. The controversial incident played a key role in the match, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
With Heerenveen leading 2-1 in the 88th minute, Fortuna made a double substitution, bringing on Darijo Grujcic and Owen Johnson in place of Ryan Fosso and Jasper Dahlhaus. However, Dahlhaus failed to leave the pitch as required and continued playing for nearly a minute before finally stepping off. During this brief period, Fortuna had an illegal advantage, which Van Persie was quick to spot from the touchline.
The former Arsenal and Manchester United star immediately protested to the officials, but before the situation was rectified, Fortuna equalised. The controversial goal left Van Persie seething, as he felt the additional player on the pitch disrupted the integrity of the game.
Speaking to ESPN after the match, Van Persie did not hold back in his criticism of the officials. "I find what preceded that goal very special. Fortuna Sittard had 12 men on the field for a minute before that throw-in. Apparently, that is allowed and possible. You can't imagine that? That it is simply allowed."
He continued, "Normally, I never talk to referees and always let them do their job, but it can't be that they play with 12 men. That's unthinkable. So I asked the fourth official, 'Shouldn't you do something about that?'"
Van Persie went on to suggest that the goal should have been overturned, stating, "You can't play with 12 men against 11. I really can't understand that. I think this is really scandalous."
The result leaves Heerenveen in 10th place in the Eredivisie, while Fortuna Sittard remain just one point ahead in eighth. Van Persie, who took charge of Heerenveen in May 2024, has endured a challenging first season in management, with this latest refereeing blunder adding to his frustrations. Despite the setback, his side remains comfortably above the relegation zone, but the Dutchman will undoubtedly be demanding more accountability from officials in the future.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram / @robinvanpersie
