In the Euro 2024 qualifying match played behind closed doors in Sofia on Thursday night between Bulgaria and Hungary, around 60 people were injured as a result of violent clashes.
Among the protesting fans, 24 had to be assisted and seven of them were hospitalized for head injuries, some with fractures and others with irritations associated with the pepper spray used by the police.
Among the security forces there were 33 wounded, “some of whom were seriously injured,” according to deputy police chief Stefan Ivanov.
At a press conference, the Bulgarian authorities reported that searches continue to try to find some of the fans involved in the clashes, although the police have already arrested 33 people.
The match, considered high risk, ended with a 2-2 draw, allowing Hungary to qualify for Euro 2024, while Bulgaria is fifth and last in Group G, with three points, the result of three draws in seven games.
Even with the match behind closed doors, countless Bulgarian fans went to Sofia demanding the resignation of Borislav Mihaylov, who has headed the country’s football federation for 18 years and who, as a footballer, passed through Portugal, after having been goalkeeper for Belenenses between 1989 and 1991.
“We have witnessed horrible scenes of violence. The federation is primarily responsible for leading Bulgarian football into a decline with no prospects for the future,” commented Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov today.
The head of Government also dismissed the Deputy Minister of the Interior, Stoyan Temelakiev, for failures in the security organization and demanded clarification on accusations of violence by the authorities.
Source: TSF
