By Alexander Krassimirov
January 15 – The fan clubs of Levski Sofia have told Bulgarian authorities that they will not participate in anti-government protests in the capital. For nearly a year, Sofia the city has been disrupted by protests against the government of the country.
Football fans have frequently been accused of participating in protests, provoking peaceful protesters and creating unrest.
The police summoned three of the leaders of Levski’s main supporters groups – chairman of the National fan club Vladimir Vladimirov, spokesman Dimitar Baylov, and chairman of Sofia West fan club- Anton Kaltchev.
They claim they were forced to sign statements stating they will not cause any problems during the coming protests in Sofia.
Following the police interviews, the National supporters club of Levski issued a statement that fans found these actions “biased and repressive”.
Yesterday the fan club spokesman Dimitar Baylov told the Bulgarian National Radio that fans of Levski will not participate in planned protests outside parliament.
He added that the supporters of the club have not been called to appear again before the police. Some fans have been made to sign a statements stating they would not be part of the protest.
“If fans of Levski Sofia decide to protest, they will do so with their wives and children and will announce it in advance. If fans of other teams choose to participate in the protests, it is entirely their responsibility and commitment. I’m authorised to speak solely on behalf of supporters of Levski. For every embarrassing thing that happens in Bulgaria football fans are being held responsible. They have accuse us that we are paid (to protest),” said Baylov.
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