# Bulgarian Cup match violence and officiating disputes

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bulgarian-cup-match-violence-and-officiating-disputes
> Updated: 2026-10-05T15:25:00.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

A Bulgarian Cup match between OFK Nesebar and FC Rodopa Smolyan resulted in violence and disputes regarding officiating. Following a 3-1 victory for Nesebar after extra time, fans reportedly invaded the pitch, threw bottles, and used pyrotechnics in response to a controversial penalty decision. 

OFK Nesebar condemned the aggression, noting that players and officials required a police escort to exit the field. Simultaneously, FC Rodopa Smolyan expressed disappointment with the officiating, questioning the appointment of referee Nikolay Zapryanov and calling for increased transparency and professionalism within the Bulgarian Football Union.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-05: Bulgarian Cup match ends in violence and refereeing disputes

Violence and refereeing disputes marred the Bulgarian Cup match between OFK Nesebar and FC Rodopa Smolyan, leading to pitch invasions and official statements from both clubs condemning the incident.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgarian-cup-match-ends-in-violence-and-refereeing-disputes

### 2026-09-16: OFK Haskovo eliminated from Bulgarian Cup

OFK Haskovo was eliminated from the Bulgarian Cup after a 0-1 loss to Rodopa Smolyan and now prepares for a regional league derby against FK Dimitrovgrad 1947.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ofk-haskovo-eliminated-from-bulgarian-cup

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Cite as: Bulgarian Cup match violence and officiating disputes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bulgarian-cup-match-violence-and-officiating-disputes