PSV and football fans across the Netherlands have voiced their frustration after ESPN analyst Arnold Bruggink questioned the decision to book Sven Mijnans during PSV’s 2-1 defeat to ADO Den Haag.

Mijnans received his first yellow card for a minor foul in the first half, a decision that has since sparked widespread debate on social media. Many supporters believe the referee was too harsh, with some arguing that the same offence would rarely result in a booking if PSV had been playing at home.

The controversy intensified when Mijnans received a second yellow card before half-time, reducing PSV to ten men and changing the course of the match. Although the midfielder has faced criticism for his dismissal, the first booking has become a major talking point among supporters.

Bruggink was among those to express his displeasure with the referee after the final whistle, arguing that the decision had a significant impact on the contest. His assessment received considerable support on X, with fans from other clubs also questioning the first yellow card.

PSV head coach Peter Bosz acknowledged that Mijnans’ second booking was unnecessary, but he remained adamant that his side should have secured a result regardless of the dismissal.

“We can do better, even with eleven men, I think. There was nothing wrong. You go 1-0 up,” Bosz told ESPN.

The PSV manager felt his team had created enough opportunities to extend their lead, despite failing to make the most of several promising attacking situations.

“We had a number of moments where we got through, but the setup wasn’t right. That should normally be a goal for us. We had that chance in the first half,” he added.

Bosz also argued that PSV remained competitive after going down to ten men, with ADO only taking control in the closing stages.

“In the second half with ten men, I don’t think we really got into trouble until the last minutes, when they twice run out behind us and also score. Before that, we had the better chances. We must not lose to ADO, not with eleven and not with ten,” he said.

ADO eventually completed the comeback to claim a 2-1 victory, leaving PSV to reflect on another disappointing away result.

Mijnans has acknowledged the circumstances surrounding his dismissal, but Bosz was not convinced by the explanation offered after the match.

“I don’t speak in reproaches, but I think he’s getting a stupid second yellow card,” the PSV manager said.

When asked about the midfielder’s explanation that the sun had caused him problems, Bosz responded dryly: “He had a lot of trouble with the sun? Okay.”

The comments reflected Bosz’s frustration with the avoidable nature of the dismissal, even as he defended his team’s overall performance.

The manager also addressed concerns about PSV’s recent results and the criticism surrounding his decisions, including his substitutions against ADO.

“I don’t worry that often, but that’s because I’m behind the wheel. If I were sitting next to it, I might also be worried, but I have the wheel in my hand,” Bosz said, as quoted by PSV Inside.

While Mijnans’ second booking has drawn criticism from Bosz, the initial decision remains at the centre of the debate. Bruggink’s strong reaction has resonated with supporters who believe the referee’s first intervention was excessive.

The backlash has extended beyond PSV fans, with supporters of other clubs also questioning whether the offence warranted a yellow card.

However, the debate will not change the outcome. ADO have already collected the three points, while PSV must address the mistakes that contributed to their defeat.

For Bosz, the message is clear: Mijnans must avoid unnecessary bookings, but PSV also need to take their chances and show they can manage difficult matches, even when circumstances turn against them.