Away fans will be banned from attending matches between RSC Anderlecht and Standard de Liège until the end of the 2024-2025 season "at a minimum", the two clubs announced Monday in a joint statement.
"In the last six years, the Clasico between RSC Anderlecht and Standard de Liège has been interrupted four times," the clubs stated. Additionally, in two instances, the match did not resume – the 2019 playoffs in Anderlecht and the regularly scheduled season game in October 2022 in Liège.
The most recent game to be halted over fan trouble was last Thursday’s Belgian Cup game at Anderlecht. Following violent incidents, Standard’s supporters were not permitted at the championship match held three days later.
"What should have been one of Belgian football’s great occasions has often disappointed sports lovers in recent years," the clubs said. Despite the usual extensive security and police measures, the Clasico resulted in violent clashes and significant property damage.
Standard's supporters pictured during a Croky Cup 1/8 final match between RSC Anderlecht and Standard de Liege, in Brussels, Thursday 07 December 2023. Credit: Belga / Virginie Lefour
"The Clasico, for the majority of supporters, is based on healthy rivalry but it has degraded four times over the past six years due to a small group of supporters from both sides. For this reason, both clubs agreed to a period of reflection."
The clubs pledged, “At a minimum until the end of the 2024-2025 season, there will be no visiting supporters allowed to attend matches between Standard de Liège and RSC Anderlecht.”
They concluded their statement: “This regretfully made decision will also impact some of the most well-intended and loyal fans, but a strong signal against violence in and around a football stadium needs to be delivered.”
