February 5 – The Bulgarian Super Cup celebrations were overshadowed by a disturbing wave of racism directed at Ludogorets forward Bernard Tekpetey following the match against Levski Sofia at the Vasil Levski National Stadium. Ludogorets won the final against Levski with the only goal, scored by Bernard Tekpetey.
In an official statement released after the game, PFC Ludogorets detailed a series of “unacceptable” incidents involving both fans in the stands and online offenders.
According to the club, the Ghanaian winger was subjected to monkey chants and racial slurs from the Levski supporters’ section. Disturbingly, the club noted that even children were observed participating in the verbal abuse.
The situation escalated post-match when Tekpetey received death threats and “brutal” messages on his personal social media profiles.
“Ludogorets will not stop fighting against racism,” the club statement read. “A Ludogorets player is once again the victim of racism and xenophobia, following the attack on Antoine Baroan last year. These manifestations have no place in football or our society.”
Official reports have been filed with the police and the prosecutor’s office regarding the death threats. Ludogorets also plan to initiate a high-level discussion among Bulgarian clubs to address the recurring issue of discrimination.
The club’s management expressed unwavering solidarity with Tekpetey, vowing not to let him face this aggression alone.
Ludogorets emphasized that such behaviour distances Bulgaria from the “civilized world” and contradicts the core sporting values of respect and equality. They called for the Bulgarian public to remain active and uncompromising in the face of such ugly phenomenan.
Contact the writer of this story, Alexander Krassirmirov, at [email protected]