Arokodare was on target in the loss
KRC Genk striker Tolu Arokodare was at the centre of controversy as manager Thorsten Fink fumed over a late penalty appeal that was waved away in their 2–1 defeat to Standard Liège, a decision he believes robbed his side of a deserved point.
Genk’s season has gotten off to a disappointing start, with no wins from their first three matches, losing twice and drawing once. Their latest setback came on Sunday at the Stade Maurice Dufrasne, where a hotly disputed moment overshadowed the contest.
Trailing 2–1 in the 82nd minute, Genk pushed for an equaliser when Standard goalkeeper Matthieu Epolo misjudged an inswinging cross. In his attempt to punch the ball clear, Epolo struck striker Tolu Arokodare on the head, leaving the Nigerian in visible pain.
To the frustration of the visiting fans, the referee, backed by the Video Assistant Referee, ruled the contact insufficient for a penalty.
Fink did not hide his anger after the final whistle.
“We hit the post twice, and then there was also a clear penalty foul on Tolu,” the Genk boss told DAZN.
“Everyone could see that, right? The goalkeeper hit Tolu in the head, not the ball. According to the rules, it’s always a penalty in that case.”
Arokodare had earlier opened his account for the season with a 70th-minute strike in the encounter, but it proved to be no more than a consolation in another frustrating afternoon for Genk.
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