By Alexander Krassimirov
April 23 – CSKA Sofia’s Portuguese winger Toni Silva (pictured) would appear to have been forced into what is a remarkable public statement saying that insulting remarks made to him by the club’s fans (including ‘monkey’ insults) are not racist.
After the loss of CSKA against Lokomotiv Sofia on Sunday, the players of the team were summoned to a section of the stadium by the fans, where some were forced to take off their shirts. Toni Silva was also insulted and called a “monkey”.
A day later, Silva used the club’s website to announce that he is not angry at the supporters and did not consider their insults as a racist.
“I love CSKA and its fans. What happened after the match with Lokomotiv Sofia, was not pleasant. But nevertheless I can understand the emotion of our fans. I’m disappointed and I’m not happy with the loss, but this is football. What happened between me and some supporters was not racist and there are no serious arguments to be called that way. I will forgive those fans who screaming at me and insulted me, ” wrote Toni Silva in an open letter.
According to some reports, Toni Silva was forced to circulate a similar letter to save the club from heavy fines by the Bulgarian Football Union.
However, the club is unlikely to avoid sanctions because during the match CSKA fans raised a flag with Nazi symbol (swastika).
Racist incidents from the match will be considered by the Disciplinary Commission of the Bulgarian Football Union at its next meeting.
Hours after the public statement by Silva, the tires of his car were cut by unknown perpetrators while the player was training with the team.
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