Van Persie Calls Fortuna’s 12-Player Mix-Up a ‘Scandal’ After Draw with Heerenveen

Heerenveen manager Robin van Persie was furious after a strange incident in their Eredivisie match against Fortuna Sittard. For a short time, Fortuna had 12 players on the field because of a substitution mistake. The former Arsenal star grew more frustrated as he kept questioning the referee’s calls during the game.

Heerenveen were leading 2-1 in the final minutes, thanks to goals from Levi Smans and Eser Gurbuz. But in the 88th minute, Fortuna made two substitutions—bringing on Darijo Grujcic and Owen Johnson. 

Jasper Dahlhaus, who was meant to be subbed off, stayed on the field. He played for another minute before Van Persie saw it and told the officials. Having the extra player gave Fortuna an unfair advantage, and they ended up scoring a last-minute equalizer in the 90th minute.

At full-time, Van Persie was furious, blaming the mistake for his team’s missed victory. He sarcastically criticized the fourth official, calling it a scandal to have 23 players on the field. The draw left Heerenveen in 10th place with 25 points from 21 matches, while Fortuna remained slightly ahead in 8th place with 26 points.

SC Heerenveen will play their next Eredivisie games against FC Twente at home on February 9, then travel to PEC Zwolle on February 16, and return home to face AZ on March 2.

Meanwhile, Fortuna Sittard will take on Ajax at home on February 9, then visit AZ on February 23, and face RKC Waalwijk away on February 28.