STVV UNION
“Who knows what’s happening behind the scenes…” Frustrations ran high a few times at Union on the field after the defeat against STVV. In addition, there was also a dose of cynicism afterwards about some “decisive matters” that were to their disadvantage. STVV coach Wouter Vrancken, who had a highly amusing conversation with Union captain Christian Burgess afterwards, had a good laugh about it.
Niel Van Esscheand Yari Pinnewaert
What would have been said there?
After the match, the DAZN cameras recorded a striking chat between STVV coach Wouter Vrancken and Union captain Christian Burgess. Vrancken even gave the beard a tug on the Englishman, who would later give free rein to his frustrations in front of the assembled press. Although the words of the coach of the Canaries were not wrong either.
“If you have been used to having the ref with you all season, it is embarrassing when that no longer works,” DAZN said bluntly. “They can be happy that they finish the match with 10, because Burgess or Van De Perre could also get their second yellow for me.”
Christian Burgess reacted especially cynically after blowing the whistle. “What happened? We lost 2-1.”
The referee in particular was the favorite among the visitors. “He clearly wanted to give that red card, because he drew it very quickly. I don’t think it resulted in a real goal scoring opportunity, so yellow was enough for me. That red card hurt us, you can see that.”
More bad news: Zorgane and Burgess are not there against KV Mechelen, because they received their third yellow card. “Boys who are on edge always seem to get a yellow card. Funny how that happens every time. My yellow card and Zorgane’s were unjustified, and they now have major consequences. But it is the play-offs, which are a rollercoaster.”
Union could therefore lose its leadership position. “But we still have everything in our own hands, so don’t panic,” tempers Burgess, who concluded with some more cynical words.
“I’m happy for them (STVV, ed.) They finally got points against us, although it took some refereeing decisions. Everyone always talks about decisions being made in Union’s favor, but today the decisions were anything but in our favor.”
“Who knows what’s going on behind the scenes… We can still walk around with our heads held high – the same can’t be said for some others.”
“I don’t know what analysis to give…”
Union coach David Hubert didn’t remember it himself either, during his press chat afterwards. “You can talk about those first 10 minutes, but afterwards there are 90 others. Many things were decisive for the course of the match. Then it is not easy.”
The red card for Kevin Mac Allister after less than fifteen minutes did indeed change the picture of the match, although STVV was already the better team before that. And Hubert also wanted to say something about that red cardboard. “I don’t want to start a polemic. But if he had given the yellow card, the VAR would never have come back on it,” says Hubert. “There were still players to defend. I am not going to comment on all other phases.”
“The way the boys showed mental resilience, even after that 1-0, is great. We kept pushing, looking for a moment. And that came. In terms of an emotional rollercoaster, that can count. Then you think you have done the most difficult thing, but in the end you go home with zero points. That is a tough one emotionally to give away another point.”
STVV had almost 80 percent possession of the ball and continually pushed Union back, but the liberating goal only came in minute 98. “Of course their victory was deserved. They dominated. But such a match is difficult to evaluate, with 10 against 11,” said Hubert.
