CSKA Sofia loss provokes violence, coach firing

CSKA Sofia loss provokes violence, coach firing

Published Oct. 22, 2010 2:39 p.m. ET

Police say 18 soccer fans have been arrested and four police officers have been injured following a loss by the Bulgarian club CSKA Sofia.

In addition, two visiting fans as well as bystanders have been hurt in the mayhem after Rapid Vienna's 2-1 victory in the Europa League.

In the overnight clashes in downtown Sofia, several hundred fans threw plastic bottles, stones and projectiles at police officers, smashing store windows and police cars.

The loss was Sofia's third straight in the Europe League group stage without scoring a single goal.

ADVERTISEMENT

After Thursday's defeat, the team fired coach Gjore Jovanovski and sporting director Emil Kostadinov.

share