Raphael Onyedika found himself at the center of attention during the closing stages of Club Brugge’s recent Jupiler Pro League clash against Antwerp FC, following a highly contentious handball incident. 

The pivotal moment occurred when Xander Dierckx entered the Bruges penalty area and the ball struck Onyedika’s arm, prompting the VAR to intervene.

Referee Lothar D’Hondt was summoned to review the play on the pitchside monitor, ultimately awarding a penalty— a decision that sparked widespread debate.

Commentator Aster Nzeyimana, speaking live on DAZN, voiced his astonishment at the ruling, asserting, “This is not a penalty,” and added that the call “would be met with confusion in any stadium.”

Former player and analyst Gilles De Bilde also weighed in, describing the decision as “bizarre,” while noting that evolving interpretations of the rules increasingly support such judgments.

The incident ignited discussion across media and social platforms, with analysts examining whether Onyedika’s arm position—apparently at an unusual height at the moment of contact—constituted a deliberate handball.

Nzeyimana stressed that while individual perspectives may differ, VAR protocols limit subjective interpretation, making the referee’s decision final under current guidelines.

Despite the controversy, Club Brugge goalkeeper Dani van den Heuvel rose to the occasion, saving Adekami’s penalty attempt and momentarily keeping Blauw-Zwart in contention.

However, Antwerp ultimately secured a 1-0 victory late in the match through a goal from Mauricio Benítez.

Wale Adejumo