By Omoniyi David
Nigeria’s Raphael Onyedika was at the center of controversy during Club Brugge’s Jupiler Pro League clash with Antwerp FC after a late handball call.
The incident occurred when Xander Dierckx entered the Brugge box and the ball struck Onyedika’s arm.
VAR review led referee Lothar D’Hondt to award a penalty, sparking debate among fans and analysts.
DAZN commentator Aster Nzeyimana called the decision “not a penalty,” while former player Gilles De Bilde labeled it “bizarre,” though he noted evolving handball interpretations often produce such rulings.
Social media and sports platforms erupted over whether Onyedika’s arm position justified a deliberate handball under current rules. Nzeyimana added that VAR protocols limit subjective judgment, leaving the referee’s call final.
Club Brugge goalkeeper Dani van den Heuvel saved Adekami’s spot-kick, but Antwerp eventually won 1-0 with a late goal from Mauricio Benítez.
