Violent protests break out ahead of Bulgaria-Hungary soccer qualifier
1 year, 4 months ago

Violent protests break out ahead of Bulgaria-Hungary soccer qualifier

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thousands of Bulgarian football supporters on Thursday took to the streets of the capital, Sofia, in protest over the management of the national football union, a demonstration that eventually turned violent. The qualifying match between Bulgaria and Hungary for next year's European soccer championship fell victim to a bitter dispute between the management of the Bulgarian Football Union and soccer fans from across the Balkan country. In previous weeks, soccer fans have been shouting “Resign!” in the 18th minute of every championship match, addressing the president of the Bulgarian Football Union Borislav Mihaylov and his aides, who have been at the helm for the past 18 years. “The Bulgarian Football Union has provided UEFA with necessary guarantees from the relevant local authorities and stadium management in Sofia to host the match at the Vasil Levski National Stadium without spectators,” said a UEFA statement.

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History of this topic

1,000 Bulgarian nationalists protest against government plans to adopt euro currency
1 month ago

1,000 Bulgarian nationalists protest against government plans to adopt euro currency

Associated Press  

SOFIA, Bulgaria — Police in Bulgaria’s capital clashed with nationalist protesters Saturday who demanded that the government scrap plans to bring the country into the eurozone. About 1,000 protesters gathered in front of the Sofia office of the European Commission, which is the European Union’s executive branch, and began throwing red paint and firecrackers at the building. The protesters demanded …

Romania loses case about chaotic Kosovo game and must host World Cup qualifier in empty stadium
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Romania loses case about chaotic Kosovo game and must host World Cup qualifier in empty stadium

The Hindu  

Romania’s football federation lost its appeal on Thursday against UEFA’s punishment for racist fan chants and must play its first home qualifier for the 2026 World Cup in an empty stadium. Romania fans chanted anti-Hungary slogans judged by UEFA to be xenophobic, and pro-Serbia slogans that were offensive to Kosovo players and fans. CAS said its panel of judges hearing …

Romania loses case about chaotic Kosovo game and must host World Cup qualifier in empty stadium
1 month, 2 weeks ago

Romania loses case about chaotic Kosovo game and must host World Cup qualifier in empty stadium

Associated Press  

LAUSANNE, Switzerland — Romania’s soccer federation lost its appeal on Thursday against UEFA punishment for racist fan chants and must play its first home qualifier for the 2026 World Cup in an empty stadium. Romania fans chanted anti-Hungary slogans judged by UEFA to be xenophobic, and pro-Serbia slogans that were offensive to Kosovo players and fans. CAS said its panel …

Romania’s soccer federation says Kosovo’s walk-off actions were premeditated
4 months, 1 week ago

Romania’s soccer federation says Kosovo’s walk-off actions were premeditated

Associated Press  

BUCHAREST — Romania’s soccer federation expressed its disappointment Saturday at what it called “premeditated” behavior by Kosovo’s team in Friday night’s abandoned match in the Nations League. “The Romanian Football Federation expresses its deepest disappointment regarding the behavior of the Kosovo delegation and its players,” the federation said in a statement Saturday. “We consider the accusations made by the Kosovo …

German police intervene to stem clashes between England and Serbia fans before Euro 2024 match
9 months, 1 week ago

German police intervene to stem clashes between England and Serbia fans before Euro 2024 match

Associated Press  

GELSENKIRCHEN, Germany — Riot police in Germany intervened to stop brawling soccer fans before Sunday’s match between Serbia and England at the European Championship soccer tournament. A Serbian fan told The Associated Press that a group of England fans had thrown glasses and stones at the area outside the restaurant where he and others were sitting together drinking beer. Gelsenkirchen …

Riot police in Germany intervene to stem fan clashes ahead of England vs. Serbia soccer match
9 months, 1 week ago

Riot police in Germany intervene to stem fan clashes ahead of England vs. Serbia soccer match

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Police rushed to separate brawling …

In latest crackdown on violence, Greece bans fans at all top-flight matches for two months
1 year, 3 months ago

In latest crackdown on violence, Greece bans fans at all top-flight matches for two months

Associated Press  

ATHENS, Greece — All top-flight soccer matches in Greece will be played without fans in the stadiums for the next two months, in the latest crackdown on supporter violence following a sport-related riot last week that left a police officer with life-threatening injuries. This past weekend’s professional soccer matches were postponed following a series of violent incidents at matches and …

Dozens injured, arrested in Bulgaria Euro qualifier clashes
1 year, 4 months ago

Dozens injured, arrested in Bulgaria Euro qualifier clashes

The Hindu  

At least 33 police officers and 24 football fans were injured in clashes on the sidelines of Bulgaria’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Hungary, which ended in a 2-2 draw, authorities said on Friday. “Twenty-four injured were examined, including seven who were hospitalised with head traumas, broken legs and arms and many who were gassed with pepper spray,” Katya Sungarska, an …

Violence breaks out as Bulgaria fans protest ahead of Euro 2024 qualifier
1 year, 4 months ago

Violence breaks out as Bulgaria fans protest ahead of Euro 2024 qualifier

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thousands of Bulgarian football supporters on Thursday took …

Hungary criticises Bulgaria as it suddenly changes venue ahead of the Euro 2024 Qualifiers
1 year, 4 months ago

Hungary criticises Bulgaria as it suddenly changes venue ahead of the Euro 2024 Qualifiers

The Hindu  

The Hungarian football federation slammed the Bulgarian federation for “unsportsmanlike” conduct as Thursday’s Euro 2024 qualifier match was moved from Plovdiv to Sofia on Tuesday. The late venue change was caused by the Plovdiv municipality’s decision to not make the Hristo Botev stadium available for the match due to ongoing construction work at the venue. The Hungarian FA called hosts …

Dinamo fans banned from European away games
1 year, 7 months ago

Dinamo fans banned from European away games

The Hindu  

Dinamo Zagreb fans will not be allowed to attend the club’s European away games this season after a Greek national was killed in clashes with AEK Athens supporters earlier this month, governing body UEFA said on Sunday. UEFA President Alexander Ceferin met with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens this week and urged European football to “eliminate the cancer” …

UEFA postpones AEK Athens-Dinamo Zagreb match after fan killed in brawl
1 year, 7 months ago

UEFA postpones AEK Athens-Dinamo Zagreb match after fan killed in brawl

Al Jazeera  

Dozens arrested, several injured in violent clashes between supporters of rival sides outside AEK’s stadium ahead of Champions League qualifying match. Police said nearly 100 people were arrested after the violent clashes, which led European football’s governing body, UEFA, to postpone the Champions League qualifying third-round, first-leg match between the two sides that was due to be played on Tuesday …

Albania police deport dozens of soccer fans after clashes
2 years, 10 months ago

Albania police deport dozens of soccer fans after clashes

Associated Press  

TIRANA, Albania — Dozens of soccer fans have been deported back to Italy following violent clashes in Tirana ahead of Wednesday’s Europa Conference League final, Albania’s deputy head of police said. Two separate groups of Dutch and Italian fans clashed with police on Tuesday in the city, injuring 19 officers and five Albanian civilians. On Wednesday, deputy head of police …

Albania Football Association detests fan violence, blames Polish for provoking
3 years, 5 months ago

Albania Football Association detests fan violence, blames Polish for provoking

The Hindu  

Albania’s football federation on Thursday deplored the violent behaviour of Albanian fans and blamed Polish fans for provocation in their World Cup qualifying match this week. The game was suspended for around 20 minutes after Karol Świderski had just scored for Poland in the 77th minute and Albanian fans hurled water bottles at the celebrating Poles. A day later, FIFA …

FIFA to investigate instances of crowd unrest in Hungary, Albania qualifier matches
3 years, 5 months ago

FIFA to investigate instances of crowd unrest in Hungary, Albania qualifier matches

Firstpost  

At Wembley Stadium in London, Hungary supporters fought with police in the stands just after kickoff on Tuesday as officers sought to arrest a spectator on suspicion of racially abusing a steward. Zurich: FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings on Wednesday against the Hungarian, English, Albanian and Polish football federations after condemning disorder involving Hungary and Albania fans in separate World Cup …

UEFA investigating allegations of offensive incidents during Hungary's Euro 2020 matches
3 years, 9 months ago

UEFA investigating allegations of offensive incidents during Hungary's Euro 2020 matches

Daily Mail  

UEFA has launched a disciplinary investigation into allegations of offensive incidents during the two Euro 2020 games held at the Puskas Arena in Budapest. UEFA are investigating two banners including one with a cross through someone taking the knee They are also investigating a banner which read 'Anti-LMBTQ' - which is the abbreviation in Hungary for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender …

CSKA Sofia resume training despite gatherings ban: report
4 years, 11 months ago

CSKA Sofia resume training despite gatherings ban: report

Deccan Chronicle  

Sofia: Bulgaria’s most successful club CSKA Sofia has resumed team training, violating the government’s ban on outdoor gatherings that is in place to contain the spread of the coronavirus, local media reported. A video published on several Bulgarian websites showed Serbian head coach Milos Kruscic, two of his assistants and at least six foreign players training at the club base …

UEFA order Bulgaria to play home game behind closed doors after racist chants, Nazi salutes against England
5 years, 4 months ago

UEFA order Bulgaria to play home game behind closed doors after racist chants, Nazi salutes against England

Firstpost  

UEFA’s options to deal with the incidents in Sofia at a Euro 2020 qualifier against England could have removed Bulgaria from the playoffs in March Nyon: Bulgaria must play their next home game behind closed doors and have been handed a fine of 75,000 euros after racist chanting by supporters marred their Euro 2020 qualifier against England earlier this month, …

Bulgaria handed stadium ban and fine for racism in England game
5 years, 4 months ago

Bulgaria handed stadium ban and fine for racism in England game

The Hindu  

Bulgaria must play next month's home match against the Czech Republic behind closed doors as punishment for fans aiming racist abuse at England players in the recent Euro 2020 qualifier, UEFA has said. Related | Bulgaria police holds six over racist abuse UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin vowed European football’s governing body would "wage war on the racists", amid the outcry …

Bulgaria given one-time stadium ban and fined $83,000 over racism
5 years, 5 months ago

Bulgaria given one-time stadium ban and fined $83,000 over racism

CNN  

CNN — Bulgaria’s national soccer team has been ordered by UEFA to play its next home game behind closed doors as punishment for the “racist behavior” of its fans during a Euro 2020 qualifier against England. The Bulgarian Football Union has also been fined $94,000 for the “racist behavior of its supporters and the throwing of objects” and “causing disturbances …

UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifiers: Bulgarian police detain six people following racist abuse during England clash
5 years, 5 months ago

UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifiers: Bulgarian police detain six people following racist abuse during England clash

Firstpost  

Monkey chants and apparent Nazi salutes overshadowed England’s 6-0 win in Sofia on Monday, with the match halted twice during the first half due to the abuse. Sofia: Six Bulgarians have been detained over racist abuse at a Euro 2020 qualifier against England that sparked a storm of protest and led to the resignation of the country’s football chief, police …

Bulgaria police holds six over racist abuse at England match
5 years, 5 months ago

Bulgaria police holds six over racist abuse at England match

The Hindu  

Six Bulgarians have been detained over racist abuse at a Euro 2020 qualifier against England that sparked a storm of protest and led to the resignation of the country’s football chief, police said Wednesday. Monkey chants and apparent Nazi salutes overshadowed England’s 6-0 win in Sofia on Monday, with the match halted twice during the first half due to the …

UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifiers: Bulgaria head coach Krasimir Balakov apologises to England players, fans after racist chants mar clash
5 years, 5 months ago

UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifiers: Bulgaria head coach Krasimir Balakov apologises to England players, fans after racist chants mar clash

Firstpost  

England thrashed Bulgaria 6-0 to hand the hosts their heaviest ever home defeat but the game will be remembered more for the racist incidents that led to action being temporarily stopped in the first half. Sofia: Bulgaria coach Krasimir Balakov has apologised to the England team after fans taunted their black players with Nazi salutes and monkey chants during a …

UEFA charges Bulgarian Football Union over racist chants
5 years, 5 months ago

UEFA charges Bulgarian Football Union over racist chants

The Hindu  

UEFA has charged the Bulgarian Football Union over racist behaviour by Bulgaria fans during Monday's Euro 2020 qualifier against England in Sofia. A section of supporters, who were ejected from Vasil Levski National Stadium, aimed "monkey chants" at Raheem Sterling, Tyrone Mings and Marcus Rashford and were Tuesday's fallout from the shameful scenes included BFU president Borislav Mihaylov resigning after …

Euro 2020 Qualifiers: Bulgaria's football chief resigns after racist chants made during England match
5 years, 5 months ago

Euro 2020 Qualifiers: Bulgaria's football chief resigns after racist chants made during England match

Firstpost  

England eased to a 6-0 victory over their hosts in the Bulgarian capital on Monday but the game was blighted by offensive chants, forcing the match to be halted twice in the first half. Sofia, Bulgaria: Bulgaria’s football chief resigned on Tuesday after racist chanting marred England’s Euro 2020 qualifier in Sofia, as UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin said the sport …

Bulgaria's FA president RESIGNS following fans' Nazi salutes and racist chants
5 years, 5 months ago

Bulgaria's FA president RESIGNS following fans' Nazi salutes and racist chants

Daily Mail  

The president of the Bulgarian Football Association has resigned from his position after England's black players were subjected to shocking racist chants and monkey noises in Sofia on Monday night. Police in Bulgaria mounted a dramatic raid on the headquarters of the Bulgarian FA after Monday night's racist chants shame 30 officers from the country's police force entered the FA …

Euro 2020 Qualifiers: Anti-racism body Kick It Out slams UEFA for failing to abandon Bulgaria-England clash following racist chants
5 years, 5 months ago

Euro 2020 Qualifiers: Anti-racism body Kick It Out slams UEFA for failing to abandon Bulgaria-England clash following racist chants

Firstpost  

Anti-racism organisation Kick It Out has criticised European football’s governing body UEFA for failing to abandon Monday’s Euro 2020 qualifier in Bulgaria after England’s black players were subjected to monkey chants. London: Anti-racism organisation Kick It Out has criticised European football’s governing body UEFA for failing to abandon Monday’s Euro 2020 qualifier in Bulgaria after England’s black players were subjected …

Euro 2020 Qualifiers: Bulgaria PM Boyko Borisov urges football chief Borislav Mihaylov to resign after England match racism
5 years, 5 months ago

Euro 2020 Qualifiers: Bulgaria PM Boyko Borisov urges football chief Borislav Mihaylov to resign after England match racism

Firstpost  

The Euro 2020 qualifier in Sofia, which England won 6-0 against Bulgaria, was halted after England players were targeted by racist chanting. Sofia: Bulgaria’s prime minister on Tuesday urged the country’s football union president Borislav Mihaylov to resign after a match against England was twice halted because of racist abuse. “I urge Borislav Mihaylov to hand in his resignation immediately!” …

Euro 2020: Bulgaria manager Krasimir Balakov insists he didn't hear racist chanting from supporters
5 years, 5 months ago

Euro 2020: Bulgaria manager Krasimir Balakov insists he didn't hear racist chanting from supporters

Daily Mail  

Bulgaria boss Krasimir Balakov insisted he did not hear any racist chanting from his nation's supporters and slammed England fans for interrupting the Bulgaria national anthem in a staggering denial on Monday evening. Bulgaria boss Krasimir Balakov insists he did not hear any racist chanting from his nation's fans during Monday's match 🎥 IN FULL 🎥 'For three weeks all …

Euro 2020 Qualifiers: Bulgaria to play two matches in partially empty stadiums due to racist behaviour from fans, says UEFA
5 years, 8 months ago

Euro 2020 Qualifiers: Bulgaria to play two matches in partially empty stadiums due to racist behaviour from fans, says UEFA

Firstpost  

In a statement, UEFA said the Bulgarians will have to take on Group A leaders England in October with capacity at the Vasil Levski stadium in Sofia reduced by 5,000 places Paris: Bulgaria will play Euro 2020 qualifiers with England and the Czech Republic in front of partially closed stadiums after UEFA on Friday found the country’s fans guilty of …

Bulgaria: Refugee protests over treatment turn violent
8 years, 4 months ago

Bulgaria: Refugee protests over treatment turn violent

Al Jazeera  

Refugees clash with police near the Turkish border after authorities restrict their movement over health fears. Police in Bulgaria have fired tear gas and water cannon at refugees protesting about restrictions on their movement after authorities barred them from leaving the area where they stay pending medical checks. Between four and six police officers were injured on Thursday after some …

Euro 2016: Hungary, Belgium and Portugal to be punished by Uefa for fans' behaviour in stadiums
8 years, 9 months ago

Euro 2016: Hungary, Belgium and Portugal to be punished by Uefa for fans' behaviour in stadiums

The Independent  

Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Hungary, Belgium and Portugal are the latest countries …

Drone banner at soccer game ignites Balkan ruckus
10 years, 5 months ago

Drone banner at soccer game ignites Balkan ruckus

Associated Press  

BELGRADE, Serbia — It was all about the drone Wednesday — the one that took off from an Orthodox Church in Belgrade and flew over a soccer stadium with a nationalist Albanian banner. Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic said the drone incident aimed to destabilize the Balkans and “humiliate” Serbs, who are working toward trying to join the 28-nation European …

UEFA to investigate Serbia-Albania violence
10 years, 5 months ago

UEFA to investigate Serbia-Albania violence

India TV News  

UEFA to investigate Serbia-Albania violence London: UEFA will open disciplinary cases on Wednesday against the Serbian and Albanian football associations over the fighting between players and fans that led to their European Championship qualifier in Belgrade being abandoned. The violence London: UEFA will open disciplinary cases on Wednesday against the Serbian and Albanian football associations over the fighting between players …

Serbia-Albania match abandoned after crowd trouble
10 years, 5 months ago

Serbia-Albania match abandoned after crowd trouble

India TV News  

Frankfurt, Germany: Balkan rivalries cast a shadow over 2016 European Championship qualifying on Tuesday as the match between Serbia and Albania in Belgrade was abandoned after an Albanian flag considered provocative by Serbian fans was flown over the stadium by a drone. "The Euro 2016 Qualifying match between Serbia and Albania has been abandoned and the circumstances will be reported …

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