Bulgarian football club Arda Kardzhali has apologised after mistakenly observing a minute’s silence for a former player who is still alive.
Ahead of their league match against Levski Sofia on Sunday, both teams stood at the centre of the pitch to pay respects to Petko Ganchev, believing he had passed away.
Players bowed their heads in silence, honouring the former footballer. However, before the final whistle, the club realised the information was incorrect.
After learning of the error, Arda Kardzhali posted a statement on Facebook expressing regret over the situation.
The club clarified that they had received false information about Ganchev’s supposed passing and extended an apology to him and his family.
In the statement, the club conveyed their best wishes to Ganchev, hoping he remains in good health and continues to support the team’s success.
The incident quickly gained attention, with fans and media reacting to the unusual blunder.
While such mistakes are rare in professional football, the incident highlights the importance of verifying sensitive information before making public announcements.