Patro Eisden suffered their first defeat of the season in the Challenger Pro League on August 22, 2026, losing 2-1 away to K Lierse SK after conceding two late goals. The match featured a penalty from Radja Nainggolan and ended with a red card for Patro coach Stijn Stijnen.
Late Collapse Hands Patro Eisden Their First Defeat
The second tier of Belgian football continues to deliver unexpected results early in the campaign. Following earlier losses by Eupen and Beerschot, Patro Eisden fell victim to a late comeback at the Lisp stadium against K Lierse SK. The visitors appeared to have done the hardest part of the job shortly after halftime when they earned their third penalty in two matches.
Radja Nainggolan stepped up to the spot and converted the kick, putting the Limburg side ahead at 0-1. That advantage evaporated in the final half-hour as the hosts turned the score around completely. Christian Makate drew Lierse level by directing a cross directly into the net, and De Peuter sealed the victory by finishing a delivery from Mitrovic to make it 2-1.
Stijn Stijnen Collects Red Card After Sideline Clash
The final whistle was overshadowed by a fiery confrontation in the technical area involving Patro coach Stijn Stijnen. Deep into extra time, with the clock running in the 99th minute, Patro player Haji Mnoga was pulled back for gaining yards illegally during a throw-in. Stijnen sprinted toward the fourth official, De Keyzer, to protest the decision.
Referee Dunken Van De Velde immediately brandished a second yellow card, forcing the coach to watch the remainder of the match from the stands. Earlier in the encounter, Stijnen had already received his first yellow card during a lengthy four-minute review involving the Football Video Support system after Lierse coach Arno Van den Abbeel requested a challenge.
Growing Disciplinary Record Looms for Patro Manager
Reporting from various outlets noted that Stijnen approached the fourth official from a distance of only a few centimeters in an intimidating manner before his dismissal. The incident is now under investigation by the bondsparket, opening the door for a potential suspension that would leave Patro without their head coach on the sideline.
This latest caution adds to an already heavy disciplinary burden. Stijnen accumulated a notable total of eleven yellow cards and two red cards during the previous season. With just two matches played in the new campaign, his tally stands at three yellow cards and one red card, following an earlier booking on the opening weekend against RSCA Futures.
League Standings and Upcoming Fixtures
The defeat leaves Patro Eisden holding three points after two fixtures in the Challenger Pro League. While Lierse celebrated the first victory in men’s football for coach Arno Van Den Abbeel, Patro must regroup quickly.
The club faces Club NXT next week, leaving supporters to wait for both the team’s response on the pitch and the official disciplinary verdict regarding their manager.
