Tsarsko Selo Owner Invades Pitch To Demand Different Player Takes 96th Minute Penalty, He Ends Up Missing

There was utter chaos in the final day of the Bulgarian top flight when a club owner invaded the pitch and dictated who would be taking a pressure penalty.

Tsarsko Selo took on Lokomotiv Sofia in the final game of the efbet league relegation round, with the scores poised at 1-1 going into the dying embers.

Andrey Yordanov had levelled matters for the hosts in the 73rd minute but then in the last minute, Selo were awarded a last-gasp penalty.

If they scored, they would avoid relegation and retain their status in the top division for another season.

Gambian Yusupha Yaffa, who spent time in the AC Milan academy, picked up the ball and was adamant he was going to step up.

This was despite Martin Kavdanski, a defender, being the go-to taker.

Then, incredibly, the club's owner Stoyne Manolov stormed onto the pitch to demand Kavdanski take the kick and not Yaffa.

It got heated and physical between the pair, though Manolov did get his wish as Kavdanski placed the ball on the spot.

However, in a seriously cruel twist, Kavdanski saw his penalty saved and Selo were relegated to the second tier.

And in the aftermath, Manolov has announced the club have dissolved effectively immediately.

In a statement to the Tsarsko Selo, Manolov said: “The club had three good years in the Premier League. However, it is time to say that the club will cease to exist and will no longer participate in professional football next season. We are announcing this now so that the BFU group can take the place as it sees fit.

“Investing money in Bulgarian football is the easiest way to lose it. There is no ground for development. Nerves and money are wasted. However, we have to admit that we had enough good moments in the elite, and even before that, when we were part of the second division. I want to thank all the players, coaches and staff."

On the penalty miss, Manolov added: “I wanted to end this adventure with a win and Martin Kavdanski gave a lot to our team and he deserved to fulfill that penalty

Featured Image Credit: Image: Diemasport

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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