Police arrest 77 fans after match violence in Bulgaria

Bulgarian police said yesterday they had arrested 77 soccer fans following violence at a derby match between CSKA Sofia and Levski that left six police officers injured.

Supporters and police clashed during and after Sunday's match in which champions CSKA held league leaders Levski to a 1-1 draw.

"Some 69 fans of Levski and some eight supporters of CSKA were detained for grave offences against public order, including breaking stadium seats and involvement in brawls," police said in a statement.

In an effort to crack down on soccer violence, the Balkan state adopted a law last October which allowed for penalties such as jail terms of up to 25 days and fines of up to 2,000 levs ($1,261) for hooliganism at sporting events.

Romania's anti-discrimination watchdog wants the national soccer federation (FRF) to take action against increasing displays of racism at matches. Romanian champions Steaua Bucharest were given a stadium ban by UEFA last Friday after fans whistled and booed black players in Irish club Shelbourne's side during a Champions League match. Steaua, who were also fined 19,500 euros ($24,180), will play Norway's Valerenga in their UEFA Cup first round, second leg match, 250km from Bucharest.