Robin van Persie was beyond angry in post-match interview after opposition team were allowed to play with 12 men

Heerenveen manager Robin van Persie was left seething after his side played against 12-men in their controversial Eredivisie clash against Fortuna Sittard.

The incident happened in the final moments of Saturday's game at the Abe Lenstra Stadion, when Heerenveen were 2-1 up thanks to Levi Smans and Eser Gurbuz.

With two minutes remaining of normal time, Fortuna made a double-substitution that saw Ryan Fosso and Jasper Dahlhaus come off for Darijo Grujcic and Owen Johnson.

But much to the annoyance of Van Persie, who could be seen protesting on the touchline, Dahlhaus remained on the field of play and played for almost a minute before an official noticed.

Then, just a minute later, Fortuna scored a last-gasp equaliser from a corner to secure a point.

Speaking in his post-match interview with ESPN NL, former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Van Persie was furious with the series of events.

"Twelve against eleven. I didn't know that was allowed, but apparently it is," he said. "It can't be right that they're playing with twelve men for a minute before that throw-in and corner.

"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."

Van Persie added: "If they're playing with twelve men, we get a throw-in against us, so it certainly had an effect. In addition, the rules state that it's eleven against eleven and not twelve against eleven."

One of Fortuna's players didn't leave the pitch during a substitution. Image credit: X/@RenseBeerepoot

Here's how fans on social media reacted to the incident.

One said: "How does even happen?" and a second wrote: "Surely Heerenveen have a decent case for the match to be awarded to them, or at the very least to replay the last few minutes with the correct players. Would be a travesty if the result were allowed to stand."

A third said: "This is shocking. If this happens to your team, you have every right to feel aggrieved. Just as you do when you score a goal, and the VAR confirms it's a goal, and the goal is not awarded. Anything else is NOT evidence of an agenda against your club."

A fourth added: "The more I think about it the more I think that contesting the result is the best thing to do for Heerenveen, especially if intent can be proven."

There will be an investigation into whether the match should be partially replayed, according to Omropfryslan.