Ex-Man Utd & Arsenal star Robin van Persie ripped apart for 'tactical goalkeeper substitution' during Heerenveen's Dutch Cup loss to third-tier side Quick Boys

The Eredivisie club, currently ninth in the league standings, had taken a 2-1 lead in the KNVB Beker clash before Van Persie decided to replace starting goalkeeper Mickey van der Hart with Andries Noppert to deal with the opposition's relentless aerial attacks. However, the decision backfired spectacularly as Heerenveen suffered a humiliating 3-2 extra-time loss to the third-tier side.

Noppert committed two critical errors, not only giving away a penalty but also conceding a Levi van Duijn header that sealed Heerenveen’s fate in the domestic cup competition. However, Van Persie has no regrets over his decision and justified his bizarre tactical change after the match as Dutch fans ridiculed his choice on social media.

"Our goal came at a crucial moment. That's why we expected Quick Boys to play more directly. They also brought in a very tall boy, so based on that I thought it was necessary to bring in Andries Noppert," Van Persie told reporters while putting up a defence.

"The substitution was tactical. Especially because Andries has the height and he is normally very good with crosses. In the end, Quick Boys did not come up with that many crosses in that phase. The penalty was crucial. But then you go into extra time and then it becomes a long evening.”

Despite his justification, the switch drew scepticism from fans, as Noppert’s lack of recent game time appeared to contribute to his struggles. The shot-stopper, who last played on November 23, entered the pitch following a brief warm-up, leading some to question whether his lack of rhythm impacted his performance.

"That could very well be the case," Van Persie admitted. "Ultimately, those kinds of crosses are difficult to process; the ball falls right in between and then, as a goalkeeper, you have to make a choice in a split second - whether or not you are in your rhythm. The cross was also very good and Andries chose to come and the player heads it in well."

The former Manchester United and Arsenal striker acknowledged the unusual nature of the change but remained steadfast in his reasoning.

"I understand that people find it illogical because this normally doesn't happen," he said. "But that's no reason for me not to do it. I look at how I think we have the best chance of winning a match. Based on that I made that choice and I still fully support it."

Van Duijn, who scored the winner, admitted that his side was aware that Van Persie's experiment was "doomed to fail".

Whereas, an "ashamed" Noppert took responsibility for the defeat and said: "I had the feeling that I touched the ball and that it was not a penalty. But it happened to me. This is unacceptable and a disgrace. I should be ashamed. Then you look for excuses. I have to look at myself first. I was given the chance to show myself. If that doesn't work, then it's your own fault. It's a big man's world. I can only blame myself for this."

With seven wins from 18 Eredivisie matches, the club sits in mid-table, but a tough challenge awaits as they prepare to face Ajax on Sunday. Van Persie’s tactical experiment may not have succeeded, but he will be eager to demonstrate his managerial capabilities against the Dutch giants and bounce back from the cup disappointment.