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Robin van Persie seething after his side’s opponents allowed to field 12 PLAYERS during match

Ex-Man Utd striker called the mistake 'scandalous'

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ROBIN VAN PERSIE was left outraged after his side momentarily played against TWELVE MEN in the Eredivisie. 

The Dutchman's Heerenveen were 2-1 up at home against Fortuna Sittard on Saturday when the bizarre mistake happened.

Soccer game in progress, score 2-1.
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Heerenveen were forced to play against twelve men in the EredivisieCredit: ESPN
Soccer players on a field.
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Fortuna Sittard has eleven outfield players for nearly a minute, with the goalkeeper out of shot
Robin van Persie, SC Heerenveen coach, on the sidelines.
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Fortuna Sittard scored from a corner just two minutes after the mix upCredit: Rex
Robin van Persie, SC Heerenveen coach, being interviewed.
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Robin van Persie couldn't believe what he was seeingCredit: Rex

Fortuna Sittard made two subs in the 88th minute but winger Jasper Dahlhaus stayed on the pitch, while both replacements came on.

The officials seemingly failed to notice and play continued with an extra man for nearly a minute.

The visitors were then awarded a corner and equalised from it in the 90th minute, thanks to a header from defender Rodrigo Guth.

Van Persie, 41, could be seen shouting at the fourth official before Dahlhaus finally made way just seconds before the corner was taken.

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A seething Van Persie slammed the "scandalous" decision as his side missed the chance to leapfrog Sittard in the Dutch top flight. 

The former Man Utd and Arsenal striker hit out at match officials.

He said: "Twelve against eleven. I didn't know that was allowed, but apparently it is.

"It can't be right that they're playing with twelve men for a minute before that throw-in and corner.

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"I asked him if they shouldn't do anything with it. For example, reverse the goal. It can't be right. I think this is really scandalous. 

"If they're playing with twelve men, we get a throw-in against us, so it certainly had an effect.

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"In addition, the rules state that it's eleven against eleven and not twelve against eleven."

Levi Sman gave Van Persie's Heerenveen the lead after eight minutes.

But were on level terms seven minutes later thanks to a penalty by Kristoffer Peterson. 

Teenager Eser Gurbuz finished from close-range to put Heerenveen 2-1 up with eight minutes remaining before the late drama.

Van Persie was appointed as Heerenveen's head coach last May and they sit 12th in the league.

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