Rik De Mel is no longer coach of Westerlo. The club took the extra six minutes in which football was not played seriously.
Peter Vandenbempt was present at Het Kuipje on Sunday when the parlor draw was held. At first he didn't know what he was seeing, but after the game he talked to both coaches.
“I didn't expect him to be sent off today,” Vandenbempt told Sporza about the consequences of the match between Westerlo and Genk. But I heard yesterday that Turkish leaders were thinking about it. “They were very upset.”
It was already heard on Monday that the club, after sending a statement to the world, wanted to cover itself. The dismissal would be a stronger signal in this direction. “I can deny that Westerlo is doing all this to avoid punishment from the Federal Prosecutor's Office,” Vandenemppt continues.
A very harsh punishment for De Mel
However, Vandenemppt has mixed feelings about the dismissal. “A lot of people in professional football don't understand why we're so excited. They think it's normal. But whether Rik De Mel should be sacked is another thing. I think it's a very harsh punishment for De Mel.”
According to Vandenemppt, the club had other options, but chose a very drastic measure. However, it will not be easy for De Mel to find a new job as a coach. This will definitely haunt him for a long time.
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