Sofia, Sept 18: Bulgarian club Botev Plovdiv have been docked three points by the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) after fans carried a racist banner during their league match against Levski Sofia last month, the BFU said.
It is the first time that a Bulgarian soccer club has been stripped of points for racism.
Botev were also fined 37,500 levs (USD 27,230) and have been ordered to play their next home match, against relegation-threatened Belasitsa Petrich on Sept 27, behind closed doors.
Last season, Botev played three matches in total behind closed doors after two of their games were marred by hooliganism.
Botev, who were already bottom of the table with two points from five matches, are now five points away from safety.
Bureau Report
First Published: Thursday, September 18, 2008, 00:00