Club Brugge Coach, Nicky Hayen Defends Raphael Onyedika’s Red Card Against Fiorentina.
Club Brugge manager Nicky Hayen has stood by Raphael Onyedika despite the midfielder’s red card during Thursday night’s UEFA Europa Conference League clash against Fiorentina.
The Italian club capitalized on the advantage to secure a 3-2 victory in the semi-final first leg. Onyedika received his first yellow card for a rough tackle in the 58th minute, followed by a second yellow just three minutes later, resulting in his dismissal from the match.
The 23-year-old Nigerian international will miss the crucial second leg at the Jay Breydelstadion next Thursday.
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Hayen defended Onyedika, emphasizing that the player was unaware he already had a yellow card. The coach noted Onyedika’s surprise at being sent off and expressed confidence in the midfielder’s intelligence and commitment to the game.
“This incident demonstrates the team’s aggression and determination not to give up,” Hayen told the club’s official website. “It was unfortunate, but it shows our resolve not to give away any opportunities.”
