Stolen: The Belgian clubs have had their penalty spots nicked (Picture: Getty)

Belgian football is at the centre of a bizarre mystery this week after penalty spots were stolen from the stadiums of nine lower-league clubs.

KSV Sottegem, Eendracht Grotenberge, KFC Herzele, DT Borsbeke, OZ Bavegem, Eendracht Elene, VC Ressegem, SK Vlierzele and Eendracht Houtem are the clubs concerned, with all reporting at least one disappearance in recent days.

All the teams are from the Vlaanderen region of Belgium, meaning whoever is taking the turf is clearly a local trouble maker.

The Belgian FA believes the sections of grass have been deliberately taken in order to try and jeopardise the new season for the clubs involved.




KFC Herzele have been most affected, having not only had their penalty spots taken away but also four corner flags and a centre circle.

The divots left by the removal of the turf have left the surface uneven, and several Herzele players have picked up injuries after stumbling on them during training.

The investigation into the incidents is set to continue.

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