May 14 – Bulgarian champions Ludogorets have called on government to bring in urgent measures to curb football hooliganism in the country.
The club want a ban on visiting supporters in Bulgarian championship derby matches. Rivals Levski called for a ban on away fans. CSKA Sofia are adamant that visiting fans should not be restricted from attending derby games.
Ludogorets demand comes just two days after winning their 13th title in a row, beating CSKA Sofia 3:1.
In an open letter to the Minister of Internal Affairs, the Minister of Sports, political party leaders and the president of the Bulgarian Football Union, the club outlined their complaint.
“On Saturday (May 11), Ludogorets won its 13th consecutive title after defeating CSKA-Sofia. This happened in a match played at Huevepharma Arena, as thousands of peaceful fans, including women and children, came to support their favorite team,” said the club letter.
“Once again, however, the celebration was marred by a handful of hooligans in the away campaign of the opposing team. Those in question gutted many seats in the “Guests” section, throwing bombs and other dangerous objects at our fans and police officers, thereby endangering their health. We are not talking at all about chipped tiles and broken faucets in the toilets, which will have to be paid by the CSKA management.
“We have repeatedly alerted the institutions that the time has long come for tough measures against football hooliganism. Ludogorets has more than once been a victim of the aggression of self-forgetful youths who commit a crime supposedly supporting their favorite team. Our players and officials have been injured by stones and pyrotechnics while performing their duties.”
The club said that it has on several occasions initiated discussions over taking strict measures to protect the safety of players, officials and visitors, but no avail.
“We, the workers in Ludogorets, will not stop fighting against this, because the…
Source link : https://www.insideworldfootball.com/2024/05/14/bulgarian-champions-ludogorets-call-government-ban-away-fans-stop-cycle-violence/
Author : Paul Nicholson
Publish date : 2024-05-14 05:24:29
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