Club Brugge captain Hans Vanaken, 34, has again taken aim at the officiating, saying the video assistant referee (VAR) should simply be scrapped. For a player many consider one of the finest in the club’s history, it is a reminder that his competitive fire still burns just as brightly.
A fiery side to a gentle image
Off the pitch, Vanaken has a reputation as an easygoing figure, almost the ideal son-in-law. On it, the picture changes. Those who play alongside or against him describe a player who will argue his case and push for every decision, and who does not shy away from confronting officials when he believes a call has gone the wrong way.
Asked where this edge comes from, Vanaken pointed to his make-up: it is something he feels is in his nature. In the heat of a match, the competitor in him tends to take over.
Why it matters for Club Brugge
Vanaken’s outbursts are not simply a matter of frustration. As one of the central figures in the squad, his reactions to refereeing decisions attract attention and can shape the mood in the dressing room and among the fans. His willingness to speak openly about the VAR also adds to the ongoing debate in Belgian football about how technology is being used on the pitch.
Source: www.hln.be
