Bucharest Derby Abandoned in (Possibly) Suspicious Circumstances

Just another week in the crazy world of Romanian football. The Bucharest derby between Rapid and Steaua was abandoned in the 73rd minute yesterday, after it all went a bit mental. Apparently Rapid fans started throwing all kinds of crap onto the pitch, mainly stones and cigarette lighters, both of which come sharp. Referee Alexandru Deaconu found that out the hard way when a stone hit him in the head, which was when he decided enough was enough and called time.

It’s likely that since it was Rapid fans causing the trouble, the team will lose the game 3-0, get a 10-point deduction and have their Giuleşti Stadium suspended as a Romanian league game venue. But Rapid Vice-President Constantin Zotta smells a conspiracy…

…he believes the rioting fans weren’t Rapid fans at all, but Steaua fans looking to get the game called off. “Several Steaua fans deliberately provoked the trouble,” he told reporters.

Sounds like crazy talk maybe, but consider these facts: Rapid were winning the game 1-0 after Cristian Sapunaru had scored in 67th minute. Six minutes later the riots were in full swing, with the likely result being a 3-0 win for Steaua. So Steau get a 3-0 win from a game they were losing 1-0.

Is such a thing really possible? Well, don’t forget that Steaua owner Gigi Becali recently put bounties on opposition teams in his quest for Steaua to win the Romanian league this year. Seems he’ll do anything. So maybe Zotta’s conspiracy claims are worth a look.

Either way, Rapid coach Mircea Rednic has had enough and handed in his clipboard. “I quit because I was defeated by Romanian football,” Rednic told reporters. “Today I realised that you can achieve nothing good here.”

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Category: World Football