World Football: FC Petrolul Ploiesti Fined and Ordered to Play in Empty Stadium
The Romanian Football Federation (FRF) Disciplinary Committee punished FC Petrolul Ploiesti during its match against FC Steaua Bucuresti. The federation fined FC Petrolul Ploiesti $19,000 and ordered it to play its next six matches without spectators.
The reason for the punishment was that Dragos Petrut Enache (FC Petrolul Ploiesti supporter) ran towards the field and punched George Galamaz (Steaua Bucuresti defender). The punch resulted in a fractured cheekbone for Galamaz.
The FC Steaua Bucuresti teammates responded by punching Enache. The FC Petrolul Ploiesti supporters started to throw flares onto the field which is also a hazard.
The match between the two teams was terminated within the first half because of the altercation. The flares also played a part in the decision to end the match on a premature basis.
Enache was eventually arrested and is in jail pending trial. What was the response of FC Petrolul Ploiesti towards the altercation?
FC Petrolul Ploiesti announced that they will appeal the punishment before the FRF. The appeal should not be heard and the punishment should remain.
FC Petrolul Ploiesti did not lift a finger to reprimand its supporters and all peacemaking efforts were left to the FRF. The FRF sent a strong message to clubs within Romania that violence in world football will not be tolerated.
It is hoped that the FRF has the strength to carry out its punishment of FC Petrolul Ploiesti.
