The Genius of the Day: Ryan Donk

Ryan Donk, 27, former Dutch defender of RKC, AZ, WBA and Club Brugge, fully deserved the title of “Genius of the Day” because of what he did last Sunday during the match of the Turkish Championship between his team, Kasimapasa SK, and Besiktas JK, game that was very important for the ranking, because both of the teams are battling for a place in Champions League or Europa League next year.

While the ball was still far from him, Ryan picked up another ball that was on the pitch and decided not to throw away, but to keep that. Few seconds later Besiktas JK counterattacked and had an interesting chance to score, so the Dutchman throw the ”second” ball against the feet of Hugo Almeida, the Portuguese striker of the team from Istanbul, and made him loose the control of the “official” ball. A smart move like that is quite common in dodgeball, but a bit less in football.
The referee stopped the game and showed the yellow card to Ryan Donk, who looked like very surprised by the sanction, and tried to pledge not guilty like he had done nothing, while the players of Besiktas JK were complaining as well, because they wanted him to be sent off.

Another ”funny” thing is that Hugo Almeida was shown a red card later, in the final minutes of the game, after the mess that was created by a supporter who entered the pitch from the stands.
The match ended 2-1 to Kasimpasa SK, that is now second in the table, while Besiktas JK is now fourth.
Who is writing (Maxi Lozzo) saw Ryan Donk playing live twice, once during a preseason match, where he was sent off, involving AZ, and once during a match of Belgian Championship involving Club Brugge.

In this video you can find both Ryan Donk‘s move (01:10) and the supporter’s invasion (03:03).