28.11.2025 17:45
In the UEFA Europa League match where Feyenoord lost 3-1 to Celtic, Robin van Persie's decision to bring his son Shaqueel onto the field in the 81st minute as a last hope for a goal sparked significant controversy. As criticisms focused on it being an "emotional decision," Van Persie stated that the substitution was entirely tactical.
In the 5th week of the UEFA Europa League, Feyenoord lost 3-1 to Celtic, and the result has intensified reactions within the Dutch team. However, the most talked-about event at the end of the match was not the score, but the surprise substitution made by Robin van Persie in the 81st minute.
SUBSTITUTING HIS SON BECAME A SENSATION
Former Fenerbahçe star Van Persie included his son Shaqueel van Persie in the attack while his team was searching for a goal. This move quickly became a hot topic on social media with comments like "emotional decision," "nepotism," and "unprofessionalism."
VAN PERSIE RESPONDS TO CRITICISM: NOT PARENTAL, BUT TACTICAL
The young coach responded to the backlash, saying, "I made the decision to bring my son into the game not as a father, but as a coach. We needed a goal. Shaqueel was ready for this role. I couldn't even enjoy that moment; I was doing my job on the field." Van Persie also emphasized that the substitution arose entirely from the needs of the game and was not an emotional decision.
WHO IS SHAQUEEL VAN PERSIE?
17-year-old Shaqueel, who has been playing in the Feyenoord youth system for a long time, is considered one of the future strikers in the Netherlands. He was brought onto the field for the first time at such a critical moment in the Celtic match.
CRITICISM CONTINUES
While some commentators argue that it was the right step for Shaqueel's development, the majority believe that this substitution is controversial in terms of "timing."