Club Brugge goalkeeper Simon Mignolet reflected on the Conference League semi-final defeat to Fiorentina, subtly criticizing referee Halil Umut Meler.

Fiorentina secured a tense 4-3 aggregate victory over the Belgian side in their European semi-final clash, setting up a final showdown against either Aston Villa or Olympiacos.

Having endured a painful loss to West Ham in the previous season’s Conference League final, Fiorentina and their coach Vincenzo Italiano were fueled by a desire to rectify past disappointment. The contentious second leg against Club Brugge left many Belgian fans frustrated, particularly due to a late penalty call that altered the course of the tie.

In conversation with Gianluca Di Marzio, Mignolet initially lamented Club Brugge’s loss to Fiorentina in the Conference League semi-final.

“We are all disappointed because we have shown once again of what we are capable of against a very strong Fiorentina, who for me can now win the Conference League.”

“We deserved to go through even if at the end, especially in the second half, they played better by hitting the woodwork a couple of times. But it’s unfair that we went home because of a penalty.”

Mignolet proceeded to analyze the manner of the Belgian team’s defeat to Fiorentina.

“I don’t want to say that the best team was eliminated because between the first and second legs Fiorentina proved to be stronger and expert. But they have a deeper squad, they can bring in players who will rock the game for you.”

“And compared to us they have 22 high-level players. And this was their ace in the hole, the one that made the difference, not only in the return match but also in Florence.”

Finally, Mignolet directed criticism towards referee Halil Umut Meler, emphasizing how his penalty decision altered the outcome of the match.

“But both at Franchi and tonight they scored in the last 20 minutes. It’s true that we ‘survived’ many posts, crossbars and shots on goal. They enjoyed a first-leg advantage which meant they only had to score one goal here in Bruges. But then the referee ruined the match with that penalty.”