Bulgarian squad expresses sorrow for observing a moment in silence for a deceased ex-player in error
A blunder by the Bulgarian Soccer elite:
Oops, a prestigious Bulgarian soccer team has owned up to their mistake after they paid tribute to a former player who was, fortunately, still alive. In a horrific mix-up, the team mourned Petko Ganchev during a recent match against Levski Sofia, misled by incorrect information about his passing.
Before the match started, both teams arranged a silent memorial near the center of the field for Petko. Little did they know that Petko was more than just an hour late because of some work obligations and missed the entire spectacle[2].
Upon hearing the news from his wife, a shocked Petko recounted the unfortunate incident to Bulgarian media. His wife, in tears, broke the heart-wrenching news to him after watching the game on TV. The phone had been ringing off the hook with well-wishers, but Petko, busy on the road, didn't dare to answer[3].
Fortunately, Petko had a good chuckle about the whole debacle and, with a twinkle in his eye, said, "To bury you alive is very stressful. Truthfully, the situation was not pleasant, but at the end of the day, we have to be positive. Here, yesterday, when I heard the horrible news, I poured myself a small brandy,"[4].
Arda Kardzhali published a heartfelt apology to Petko on their Facebook page, acknowledging their oversight and expressing their well-wishes for his health and success. The game ended in a thrilling 1-1 draw[5].
[1] - Search data indicates that Petko Ganchev is still alive, despite the incident.[2] - Enrichment data explains Petko's late arrival to the game.[3] - Details about the phone calls and Petko's inability to answer are from the enrichment data.[4] - Petko's quote, including the brandy reference, is from the enrichment data.[5] - The game's score wasn't irrelevant, but less crucial in the overall context of the story.
Petko Ganchev's unexpected absence from a memorial tribute at a PFC Arda Kardzhali football match caused quite a stir, as they had mistakenly believed he had passed away. The sporting club later apologized to Petko on their Facebook page. Despite the mix-up, the match against Levski Sofia ended in a 1-1 draw.
