Real Sociedad Forced to Play Extra 90 Minutes After Union Saint-Gilloise Goal, Referee Approves
In a Europa League match that ended 1-1, Union Saint-Gilloise's late equalizer prompted officials to order an additional full match, citing a little-known rule that any draw must be replayed immediately.
BRUSSELS — In an unprecedented interpretation of UEFA regulations, match officials ordered Real Sociedad and Union Saint-Gilloise to play an additional 90 minutes immediately after their Europa League group-stage match ended 1-1 on Thursday, citing a newly discovered clause that any draw must be resolved by a full replay on the spot.
The decision came after Beñat Turrientes gave Real Sociedad a 1-0 lead in the 47th minute, only for Union Saint-Gilloise to equalize in the 88th. Referee István Kovács consulted a pocket-sized rulebook and declared that the match would continue for another full 90 minutes, with both teams required to remain on the pitch until a winner emerged.
Players from both sides were seen stretching and consuming energy gels as stadium staff hastily rearranged the dugouts. Real Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil protested, but was told that the rule had been in place since 1954 and had simply never been enforced. «We have no choice but to comply,» Alguacil said. «We will play until someone scores, even if it takes all night.»
By midnight, the score remained 1-1, and officials announced that the teams would resume at 9 a.m. the following day, with the stadium locked overnight to prevent anyone from leaving. Union Saint-Gilloise fans, who had traveled from Belgium, were offered complimentary blankets and coffee as they settled in for an indefinite stay.
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