Standard, Charleroi to go fan‑free after May 2026 incident

The Belgian Disciplinary Committee for professional football has ordered that Standard Liège and Sporting Charleroi play their 2026‑2027 league fixtures behind closed doors, following the violent disturbances that erupted after the 23 May 2026 match between the two clubs in the Belgian Pro League.

The ruling applies to all home matches for both sides in the 2026‑2027 season. It also stipulates that in the 2027‑2028 campaign, away supporters of each club will be barred from the opponent’s stadium.

On the final day of the Europe Play‑Offs, Sporting Charleroi travelled to Standard Liège and secured a 0‑2 victory. The loss extinguished Standard’s hopes of qualifying for a European competition.

Celebrations quickly turned chaotic when three Charleroi players confronted home supporters. A Standard fan then ran onto the pitch to seize a Charleroi flag, prompting the visiting fans to break out of their section and strike nearby home fans.

In response, an estimated 100 to 200 Standard home supporters stormed the field, intensifying the disorder.

Both clubs were fined €10,000 each. Additionally, Standard’s previously postponed sanction – a single match played with its hard‑core sections closed – was enforced immediately.

The clubs and the federal prosecutor may appeal the decisions. The prosecutor had originally demanded four home matches without spectators for Charleroi and three for Standard.

Club Brugge are reportedly negotiating with 37‑year‑old goalkeeper Yann Sommer as a potential successor to Mignolet.

Club coach Ivan Leko admitted, “We were not good enough,” after the defeat to Union.