Bulgarian Football Union bans goalkeeper for referee assault

The Bulgarian Football Union (BFS) has suspended the playing rights of Aleksandar Stoyanov, the goalkeeper for Lokomotiv Gorna Oryahovitsa U18, for two years following a violent assault on a referee. The incident occurred during a match against National U18, where Stoyanov jumped and kicked referee Vladimir Velev in the back, continuing to kick him in the head after he fell to the ground.

In addition to the sporting sanctions, Bulgarian police and prosecutors are investigating the minor for hooliganism and bodily harm. The Veliko Tarnovo District Prosecutor's Office is reviewing the case, with potential legal outcomes including community service, mandatory apologies, or participation in aggression prevention programs. The match was marked by high tension, resulting in three red cards for the Lokomotiv team before the physical altercation took place.