Story of the Week - Paying the penalty

Each week, we cover a story from the footballing world that may have escaped the attention of most fans. This week, we are off to Bulgaria for the bizarre end to their top flight season.

Last minute drama

Going into the final day of the league season, relegation threatened Tsarsko Selo needed a victory over Lokomotiv Sofia to retain their place in the top division. After going a goal down early on, Selo equalised in the 72nd minute to set up a grandstand finale.

Despite throwing everyone forward, Selo looked to be heading for the drop, but in a late twist, Selo were handed a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty deepin into injury time.

Striker Yuspha Yaffa took the ball and appeared ready to take the kick, only to be interrupted by Selo owner Stoyne Manolov running onto the field and forcibly taking the ball from him. Manolov wanted defender Martin Kavdanski to take the vital kick, and after plenty of arguments he got his way.

As Manolov and Yaffa could be seen engaged in a shoving match by the side of the pitch, Kavdanski stepped up for the spot kick….and produced a feeble effort that was easily saved by the Sofia keeper.

Aftermath

The final whistle blew a few seconds later to seal Selo’s fate and end their three year run in the top flight. But the drama did not finish there. Less than 24 hours after the game finished, Manolov publicly announced that he was dissolving the club with immediate effect as it was no longer financially sustainable.

Football season’s across Europe are drawing to a close, but there are still plenty of big club and international games taking place this week. You can check out the latest markets for all the big upcoming matches by reading our football betting odds today.

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