Romania manager demands apology over Euro 2024 fix claims that surrounded Slovakia clash
The Romanian head coach has responded to claims that the Euro 2024 match with Slovakia was fixed.
The group stage of the 2024 European Championships finished on Wednesday night following the conclusion of Group F which saw Georgia produce a 2-0 upset victory over Portugal to progress to the knockout stages.
Romania and Slovakia both made it into the round of 16, finishing first and third respectively in Group E.
A draw all that was needed for the two sides to progress, leading some conspiracy theorists to claim that the match was fixed, with both sides agreeing to draw the match.
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And, Romanian head coach Edward Iordanescu has hit back at these claims.
Speaking after the match, he said: “There are some people that should apologise to us. It was clear both teams gave their best for 90 minutes, to throw mud to the team, to our dignity, this was shameful, this was not nice.
“They throw this garbage to us, to the team. We show our character, Romania, all the time."
Despite the result finishing in a 1-1 draw on Wednesday, it appeared to be clear that both sides were desperate to win the fixture.
Rumours of the match fixing seemed to come from former Romanian international player Danut Lupu, who had 14 caps for his country between 1989 and 1998.
Speaking via AS.Ro, the 57-year-old said: “We will qualify, draw with Slovakia.
"It's arranged, it would be a shame if we both didn't go. Why risk it? Would be a shame!
"At that level the players get along very well! Why risk it? Why get in an accident?"
But, after performances which saw them top a group which included European giants Belgium, Iordanescu is confident that their momentum could help Romania go far.
The head coach continued: “Almost the whole stadium was yellow, they followed us to the train station, the hotel, when we went to training.
“It's absolutely incredible and I really hope this will continue. Romania has found a spirit that it mustn't ever lose again - we want to go as far as we can."
Romania will face The Netherlands during the final day of the round of 16 on Tuesday at 5pm BST.
Meanwhile, Slovakia will play England in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday, also at 5pm.
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Topics: Euro 2024, Romania, Netherlands, Football, England
Ben McCrum