Mircea Lucescu Addresses Kosovo Controversy: "Games Should Be Decided on the Pitch"

Added at:
another languages: uk ru

Mircea Lucescu

Romania head coach Mircea Lucescu has spoken out about the controversy surrounding the abandoned match between his team and Kosovo, emphasizing the importance of fair play and the spirit of competition.

"A Disgraceful Display," Says Lucescu

Lucescu did not hold back when commenting on the incident, which saw Kosovo players leave the field in protest late in the match.

"The Kosovo players disgraced themselves with their behavior," Lucescu stated. "A game should be decided on the pitch. We are athletes, and such actions have no place in football."

The Romanian coach expressed his disappointment at how events unfolded. "What they did is unacceptable. It's a disgrace for everyone involved. They played very well and could have won on the pitch. Instead, they chose to stage a protest off it."

The High-Stakes Context

Heading into the match, Romania held a three-point lead over Kosovo in their qualification group standings. For Kosovo, only a win by a three-goal margin would have kept their hopes alive. However, with the score still 0-0 in the 92nd minute, the visitors abruptly left the field, prompting widespread condemnation.

Looking Ahead

Romania's place in the qualification standings remains secure for now, but the fallout from the match is likely to spark further debate. For Lucescu, the focus remains on keeping his team prepared for their next challenge as they aim to maintain their advantage in the group.

This incident serves as a reminder of the passion and tensions that can arise in international football, but as Lucescu aptly pointed out, "The beauty of the game lies in resolving challenges on the pitch, not outside of it."

another languages: uk ru

Sport News RSS - Sport News - Terrikon

24 April

11:11
Copa Libertadores: Goalkeeping Howler Sinks Botafogo, River Plate Rescue a Point
10:09
Juventus Stumble Again — Shock Defeat to Parma Puts UCL Hopes in Jeopardy
08:51
Madrid Keep Pressure on Barcelona Ahead of El Clásico Showdown
08:37
AC Milan Humiliate Inter to Reach Coppa Italia Final in Style
08:20
Arsenal Slip Again — Liverpool One Step Away From Premier League Glory

23 April

17:09
Barcelona Secure Hansi Flick's Future Until 2027
10:49
Copa Libertadores: Internacional Pull Off Stunning 3-Goal Comeback & Highlights from Matchday 3
08:59
Valencia and Espanyol Share the Points in Relegation Six-Pointer
08:44
Barcelona Fire 40 Shots But Settle for Narrow Win Over Mallorca
08:28
PSG Drop Points Against Relegation-Battling Nantes
08:13
City Snatch Late Victory Over Aston Villa to Climb to Third

22 April

14:40
Manchester United Eye Double Real Madrid Raid: Lunin and Tchouaméni for €100 Million
08:37
Girona's Freefall Continues as Relegation Fears Grow
08:19
Nottingham Forest Bounce Back to Third After Win Over Tottenham

21 April

23:13
Leeds United and Burnley Seal Return to the Premier League
12:17
Serie A Matches Postponed Following the Death of Pope Francis
08:36
Atalanta Edge Out Lacklustre AC Milan
08:19
Federico Valverde's Last-Minute Stunner Saves Real Madrid Against Athletic Bilbao

20 April

22:33
Bayern on Brink of Bundesliga Title After Bayer Drop Points Again
21:42
Oscar Piastri Beats Verstappen to Take Formula 1 Championship Lead
21:05
Serie A Title Race Heats Up as Inter Fall to Bologna
20:42
Alexander-Arnold's Fairytale Return Puts Liverpool on Title's Doorstep
18:45
Arsenal Crush Ipswich to Stay in Premier League Title Race
18:27
Manchester United Slip Again as In-Form Wolves Make History
18:10
Chelsea Fight Back to Stun Fulham in Dramatic Late Show