In an exclusive interview with KickOff, former Free State Stars and Polokwane City head coach Luc Eymael has responded to new racism allegations leveled against him.
The 2018 Nedbank Cup winner has been suspended by the Congolese Football Federation (Linafoot) for allegedly making racist remarks during a match against Blessing FC.
Eymael's team, FC Saint Eloi Lupopo, won that fixture 2-1 at Kibasa Maliba Stadium in Lubumbashi back in October.
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The controversy aside, the Belgian is performing well at his current club, and he was recently named Ligue 1 Coach of the Month.
The allegations state that the 65-year-old referred to the Blessing FC goalkeeper using a racial slur.
Linafoot's committee has imposed a six-month suspension along with a $2,000 (R36 200) fine.
Eymael has announced that Lupopo will appeal the decision.
"How can we punish someone based on a unilateral decision without hearing from them first or granting them the right to defend themselves?," charges an infuriated Eymael, speaking to KickOff.com.
"There has been no proof provided, other than a written report that has since been altered. The initial report stated that the coach received a red card for unsportsmanlike conduct, yet now, weeks later, everything has changed, and falsehoods have been introduced to tarnish my image. This situation is quite delicate and more twisted than it appears," he says.
"This is slander and injustice, along with serious defamatory remarks. And all of this is happening because we are number one and have recently defeated [TP] Mazembe and Don Bosco. It's a big conspiracy against the club, our president, who is the governor of Katanga, and myself, because our success seems to disturb others."
Eymael added, "The club is going to appeal, and the appeal is suspensive. So, on Wednesday, I will be with my team.
"What happened was that I received a red card in the game against Blessing FC at the 87th minute, just after we scored the winning goal. I spent two matches in the stands, then coached my team for the last two games, and now they are coming forward with these lies. They have altered the initial report.
"We're appealing this unjust decision. I have not been heard by any committee. How can people make decisions without first providing evidence? No audio, no pictures, just baseless accusations without giving me a chance to defend myself.
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"Why did I stay in the stands for two games, then coach the last two matches? The club's press release states that we are appealing against a slanderous judgment from the League against myself and the Lupopo club.
"Initially, the report only mentioned the red card for unsportsmanlike conduct. Now, suddenly, additional, alleged insulting and racist comments have been added, which I did not make. This is serious because it targets my character, especially when our club is in first place and has earned 18 points out of 21."
Eymael is not new to controversy. Back in 2020, whilst in charge of Tanzanian giants Young Africans, he was accused of having made gestures towards the club's fans that suggested they were "monkeys". He was later fired.