Stijn Stijnen, trainer of Patro Eisden Maasmechelen. — © Dick Demey
Eisden –
Five matches effective suspension, three matches postponed and a fine of 1,250 euros. Even on appeal, the verdict of the Disciplinary Council for Professional Football (DRP) remains difficult for Patro coach Stijn Stijnen. The club is considering further legal action.
On Saturday, Stijn Stijnen (43) is still on the bench for the first leg in the Promotion Play-offs at home against Deinze. But from April 29, Patro’s coach will have to serve a five-match suspension. All the result of a big push to his brother and assistant coach Steven Stijnen during the heated final phase of the match at SK Beveren on March 15.
That incident in itself only earned Stijnen an effective suspension for one matchday. But because Patro’s coach still had a conditional suspension of four matches outstanding, the final verdict amounts to an effective suspension of five matches. Only one less than what the Disciplinary Committee for Professional Football (DCR) imposed on Stijnen in the first instance. For entering the field of play after his exclusion in Beveren, to greet the referee after the whistle, Stijnen received a conditional suspension instead of an effective one. Small consolation.
© Dick Demey
With the exception of this weekend’s match at home against Deinze, the trainer will miss all possible remaining Patro matches this season (three matches in the Promotion Play-offs and two jump-off matches against a first division team). A big damper on the promotion chances of the Maasland club. Both Stijnen and his club did not wish to respond to the ruling on Thursday. However, the board is considering possible further legal steps together with Stijnen. The former Red Devil stated on TVL Sportcafé at the beginning of last week that he would go to civil court if his suspension were also upheld on appeal. Whether this will actually happen should become clear in the coming days.