Armenia have filed a FIFA protest about “poor officiating” during this week’s 1-0 World Cup qualifying defeat in Bulgaria.

The Armenians complained about some decisions made by the referee and the treatment they had received from the home team, the football association said without giving precise details.

The visitors finished Tuesday’s Group B match in Sofia with nine men after Swiss referee Stephan Studer sent off Marcos Pinheiro in the 73rd minute and Gevorg Gazaryan four minutes later.

Bulgaria’s Svetoslav Dyakov was also dismissed in the 73rd minute following a brawl involving players from both sides.

Meanwhile, Gazaryan has apologised for his altercation with a ballboy in Sofia.

The 24-year-old Metalurg Donetsk player, who has scored eight goals in 28 internationals, was sent off for angrily hurling the ball at the youth.

“I want to apologise to FIFA for having violated the rules of fair play,” Gazaryan said.

“I would also like to apologise to the FFA (Armenian football federation), all members of the national team, the fans and finally the guy that I hit with the ball.

“I understand and accept my mistake.”

The ballboy was also ordered off by fourth official Stephan Klossner, of Switzerland.

“The fourth official shouted in my face ‘You – out’ but it was the coolest day of my life,” said Slavia Sofia junior team player Bozhidar Atanasov.

Earlier this month, Armenia beat Malta 1-0 at the National Stadium in the opening match from Group B for both nations.