Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Unprecedented clashes between police and protesting football fans in Sofia

3
Photo: BGNES

33 police officers have been injured during the protests of football fans in front of the Vasil Levski National Stadium during the European qualifying match between Bulgaria and Hungary last night. 
Several people have been hospitalized, reported the director of the Sofia Police Lyubomir Nikolov. A Municipal Police minibus was set on fire and dozens of police cars were damaged. Damage was caused to many cars of citizens in the center of Sofia and to the city infrastructure. 

33 protesters have been detained, including minors. 


There is no police force in the world which would let hooligans cause wreckage. If we hadn't used water cannon and pepper spray, many innocent victims would have been hurt and there would have been more damage, Lyubomir Nikolov said. 

According to the police, the clashes were an unprecedented violation of public order with serious aggression and a high degree of risk. At the time of the tension, there were more than 4,000 protesters and more than 1,500 police officers mobilized.



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

Gallery

More from category

Rain showers expected on Saturday, daytime highs will reach 20°C

Tonight, the cloud cover will be significant, with rain expected in parts of the western half of the country—more substantial in the central regions. The lowest temperatures will range between 6°C and 11°C, around 9°C in Sofia. On Saturday,..

published on 4/18/25 6:50 PM

13 people detained in Sofia during Police operation against illegal migration

Thirteen people were arrested in central Sofia during a specialized police operation aimed at countering illegal migration and preventing crimes committed by or against foreign nationals. The operation took place on April 16 and 17, said the Ministry..

published on 4/18/25 5:37 PM

Blind ultrarunner Victor Asenov inducted into the Everesting Hall of Fame

Blind ultrarunner Victor Asenov has officially become part of the Everesting Hall of Fame, Sportal.bg reports. Between March 21 and 23, the ''Invictus'' Victor Asenov completed 19 consecutive ascents from Aleko Hut to Cherni Vrah Mount on..

published on 4/18/25 3:59 PM