Controversy Surrounds Referee’s Decision in Eredivisie Match

omidbasir- Dutch referees often face scrutiny for questionable decisions, and the recent Eredivisie match was no exception. Johan Derksen expressed his bewilderment over referee Martin van den Kerkhof’s choice to send off Miguel Rodríguez following an alleged dive during the clash between FC Utrecht and Feyenoord.

Rodríguez fell to the ground with about fifteen minutes left in the match, believing he had been fouled and anticipating a penalty. However, Van den Kerkhof perceived no foul by Jordan Bos and deemed it a dive. Consequently, the referee issued a yellow card, resulting in Rodríguez’s dismissal for accumulating two yellow cards.

Analyst Leonne Stentler also voiced her disagreement with Van den Kerkhof’s decision during the Eredivisie highlights on NOS. “This was a pivotal moment in the second half, which FC Utrecht was performing well in. I find this penalty decision excessively harsh. There was indeed contact,” she stated.