By Andrew Warshaw
November 26 – In an extreme case of fanaticism, a CSKA Sofia fan in Bulgaria has gone on hunger strike demanding a life ban for a referee who has already been suspended for his poor officiating in a domestic game.
Stanislav Todorov (pictured), one of Bulgaria’s leading refs, has been banned by his federation for an unspecified period after his performance during Cherno More Varna’s 2-1 win over CSKA earlier this month.
Police in the north-eastern town of Shumen said Todorov, married with a three-year-old son, has lodged a complaint following a series of threats against him and his family.
But CSKA lifelong supporter Boris Borisov has no sympathy and is refusing to touch a morsel of food unless Todorov is kicked out for good.
“I want to attract the attention of society,” Borisov told local media. “There’s no place for this referee in the Bulgarian football. I’ve never seen such an arrogant person. This guy shouldn’t be allowed to officiate again.”
The tense November 3 encounter in Varna was full of contentious decisions including a dubious penalty for the home side and CSKA having a goal disallowed with no hint of offside, foul play or handball. “My conscience is clean,” Todorov said after the match. “I awarded what I saw.” He was suspended shortly afterwards.
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