Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika endured a frustrating night as he received the first straight red card of his career during Club Brugge’s 1-1 draw with Royal Charleroi SC on Friday.
The result leaves the Belgian champions without a win in three games across all competitions and in danger of sliding down the Pro League standings.
Playing at the Stade du Pays de Charleroi, Brugge were hoping to return to winning ways after a poor run of form. However, Onyedika’s dismissal for violent conduct in the 55th minute complicated their chances of securing all three points.
His sending-off marked the third red card of his professional career, though the previous two were from double yellow cards.
Sending-off truncates strong Onyedika performance
Charleroi opened the scoring in the 48th minute before, just seven minutes later, Raphael Onyedika was shown a straight red card, leaving the visitors with 10 men for the remainder of the match.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Club Brugge rallied late in the game and managed to salvage a point, thanks to Hans Vanaken’s stoppage-time equalizer from outside the box.
The draw keeps Club Brugge second in the standings with 14 points, but their position remains vulnerable. With several teams including Royal Antwerp, Anderlecht, and Gent close behind and having games in hand, Brugge could fall as low as seventh position following the weekend's action.
Onyedika’s red card will see him suspended for at least one domestic fixture, with his next potential appearance set to be determined after an authority review.
The Nigeria international completed 55 minutes before his red card, registering 45 touches, 37 accurate passes (97%), and winning 4 of 6 ground duels. However, his aggressive challenge that led to the red card marred what had been a solid display up until that point.
