By Alexander Krassimirov
July 13 – The Ultras of Bulgaria’s Cherno more prematurely ended the club’s last friendly game before the start of the season against Lokomotiv Gorna Oryahovitsa. Fans of Bulgarian Cup holders, invaded the pitch during the first half, an attacked the Lokomotiv players.
The fans were provoked by a gesture from one Lokomotiv’s player who was sent off.
The subsequent violence resulted in the hospitalisation of at least two Lokomitiv players and threats of legal action. The most seriously injured was Anthony Balakov – nephew of legendary Bulgarian Krassimir Balakov.
The fight between the fans and the players of Lokomotiv was stopped by the referee and the coaches and players of Cherno more – there were no police at the stadium.
Balakov gave statements to the police and threatened to sue the fans. A few hours after the incident, police detained two Cherno more fans.
Lokomotiv coach Sasho Angelov said: “It is an ugly story. I do not want to talk about such things. What has happened shows that we live in Bulgaria. About 50 fans of Cherno more invaded the pitch, there were no police or security. I saw with my eyes how they kicked one of my players. He was lying on the ground and they kicked him. Anthony Balakov suffered most serious. His nose was broken, his eye was swollen. It is normal to seek his rights. He took a health certificate at the hospital, then gave a statement to the police. This case should not be overlooked, because tomorrow it could happen again.”
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