November 7 – A second Romanian player has been banned for 16 games for a reckless challenge in a domestic league game as the authorities crack down on foul play.
No sooner had FCM Targu Mures midfielder Gabriel Muresan been sanctioned for fracturing the eye socket of an opponent, FC Viitorul Constanta defender Alin Seroni received the same penalty for his antics during a cup match against Universitatea Craiova.
Nicusor Bancu suffered an ankle fracture in the first period of extra-time and will not return before April.
Viitorul, just like Targu, will appeal the ban, according to owner and manager Gheorghe Hagi (pictured), one of Romania’s most revered footballing sons.
“It’s Seroni’s first offence and it wasn’t intentional,” he told local media. “He realises what he did but at the same time, it’s difficult to accept that he’ll not play in the next 16 matches.”
Viitorul were founded by Hagi in 2009 and won promotion to the top flight only three years later. The club is mainly known for nurturing young talent and having one of the best facilities for junior teams in the Black Sea state.
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