April 13 – CSKA Sofia’s visiting Ultras ripped up seats and started fires at their away match against Slavia in Bulgaria’s efbet League.
The incidents happened at the start of the second half, with the referee being forced to stop the match until the disturbances in the stands calmed down. Fortunately, no one was injured.
According to Bulgarian Football Union rules, the damages must be paid by the visiting team.
Venceslav Stefanov, president of Slavia Sofia, said that CSKA supporters broke about 1,200 seats, and their replacement will cost the club about BGN 50,000 (€25,000). He also said that for the next match between the two teams, CSKA fans will pay BGN 100 (€50) for a ticket.
CSKA condemned the actions of their fans.
“We want to see empathy, mutual respect and education in our fans. In this regard, we condemn the actions of a group of supporters who broke, burned and threw seats at the Alexander Shalamanov Stadium,” said a club statement.
“The example that was given yesterday does not suit a club like CSKA, it does not suit especially the great audience we have. An audience that has always stood out with impressive choreography, with dedication and passion. However, when passion turns into aggression, even towards an inanimate object, we cannot close our eyes – at least for the sake of the children, who should not be confused about what is right and what is wrong.
“We urge fans to continue to express their love violently and with beautiful choreography, but not to destroy the property of our long-time capital rival, whom we respect. In this way, apart from the bad example we set and the negative light we cast on the club, we also hinder the team. We remind you that because of what was happening in the stands, the game was stopped once again at the beginning of the second half, when Sasha Ilic’s team was on the rise and went into a fast pace, looking for the victory. With the interruption of the match, the rhythm was broken and this leads to negative consequences for the team. The financial implications of what happened will also be serious for CSKA.”
Contact the writer of this story, Aleksander Krassimirov, at moc.l1681806468labto1681806468ofdlr1681806468owedi1681806468sni@o1681806468fni1681806468