December 20 – In the latest controversy to hit the Belgian domestic league, Anderlecht coach Vincent Kompany has slammed the racist comments during his side’s 2-2 with Club Brugge.
In recent weeks, the Pro League has slumped from one scandal to the next, with crowd disturbances and new revelations in the ‘Propere Handen’ case – the federal public prosecutor’s investigation into money laundering, bribery and match fixing in Belgian football.
This weekend the big match of the round between Anderlecht and Brugges was plagued by racist comments throughout made to the Anderlecht players and staff.
“I’m going home dismayed and disappointed,” said Kompany after the match. “The staff, the players and myself have been verbally abused for brown monkeys throughout the game. I have a very hard time with that, I want to be with my staff now.”
“I know you can say something funny, but here are a lot of people who have given a lot for this country and just come and play football.”
Kompany boycotted the mandatory news conference after the match.
“Club Brugge and I, as a person, will always condemn the behaviour of those individuals,” said Brugge coach Philippe Clement.
“Because it was certainly not the entire stadium or a whole section. We also have a large diversity in our squad and among our fans. We condemn the individuals who made this mistake, they have no place at Club Brugge.”
On Instagram, Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, who has always been a vocal activist against racism in the game and in society, reacted strongly. posting: “I hope you take some action now. That an icon like Vincent Kompany is being scolded for his skin colour… Enough is enough! F*ck you guys with your hashtags, now take real action. This is some BS!!!”
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