Ghana midfielder Samuel Asamoah was sent off in the Belgian topflight for partially taking off his jersey to display a religious message, ‘Jesus loves you’.
In St. Truiden’s 5-2 victory over Eupen on Saturday, the promising midfielder was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
Asamoah scored his first goal in the 42nd minute and added another in the 45th minute, before completing his hat-trick in the 63rd minute.
However, he did not complete the game as he was sent off for taking off his shirt partially.
Asamoah had received his first booking in the 53rd minute and was sent off 12 minutes later after scoring and partially pulling off his shirt to display the message “Jesus loves you.”
Speaking in the aftermath of the game, he said, “Of course I knew that I was not allowed to do that. It was from sheer emotion that I did it. I am especially happy for our team and staff that we are playing such a good game and getting the three points,” he said.
“I can’t remember when I scored three more times. It must have been a long time ago. I like it. It is a shame that I will have to miss next week’s game but I have every confidence in our team.”
Asamoah is enjoying a successful season with St. Truiden, having netted four goals in as many games this season.