Around 60 people were injured in violent clashes on Thursday night in the Euro 2024 qualifying match between Bulgaria and Hungary in Sofia, played behind closed doors.
Among the protesting fans, 24 required treatment, with seven hospitalized for head injuries, some with broken bones and others with irritations related to pepper spray used by police.
There were about 33 wounded among the forces, “some of whom were seriously injured,” according to Deputy Police Chief Stefan Ivanov.
At a press conference, Bulgarian authorities said searches were continuing to find some of the fans involved in the clashes, although police had already detained 33 people.
The game, considered high-risk, ended in a 2-2 draw, allowing Hungary to qualify for Euro 2024, while Bulgaria sit fifth and last in Group G with three points after three draws in seven games.
Even though the game was played behind closed doors, countless Bulgarian fans traveled to Sofia to demand the resignation of Borislav Mikhailov, who headed the country’s football federation for 18 years and who spent time as a footballer in Portugal. goalkeeper of the Belenenses club from 1989 to 1991.
“We have witnessed horrific scenes of violence. The Federation bears the main responsibility for the fact that Bulgarian football has fallen into disrepair with no prospects for the future,” Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov commented today.
The head of government also fired Deputy Interior Minister Stoyan Temelakiev due to security failures and demanded clarification regarding government accusations of violence.