A player from a team in southwest Romania has reportedly been suspended for two years after he turned up for a match drunk and threatened players, officials and spectators with a pistol.
Ion Ciobanu, who plays for Unirea Goicea, played for his team at another regional club on Sunday. The referee noticed that Ciobanu appeared inebriated in the first half and informed club officials, who decided to substitute him with another player, Onlinesport reported.
Ciobanu initially refused but was eventually replaced. While on the bench in the second half, he tried to trip up the linesman and players. A heated discussion ensued and Ciobanu produced a pistol.
Police were called and Ciobanu was detained and fined.
The Dolj County Soccer Association ruled Friday that Ciobanu would be suspended for two years, association chairman Nicu Neagoe told Onlinesport.
``There is always a black sheep. It is incredible how sick minds choose to take up sport and then try and denigrate it,'' Neagoe said.
© The Canadian Press, 2007
