Coach Alan Pardew has left CSKA Sofia because of the racist behaviour of some fans of the club.
The 60-year-old English coach had become technical director of the Bulgarian club in November 2020 before being appointed manager last April.
English coach Pardew is leaving due to the actions of a “small group of organized racist fans” during CSKA’s league match at home against Botev Plovdiv on May 19.
“Unfortunately, my time here is over,” a statement on the club’s website read.
“The events before and after the game against Botev were not acceptable to me, to my assistant Alex Dyer, or to our players.”
Pardew confirmed that former Kilmarnock manager Dyer, who is black, is also leaving CSKA.
Pardew had agreed to take charge for the remainder of their current campaign, which ended on May 22, and for the 2022-23 season.
But the former Newcastle and West Ham coach, who has managed seven English teams, chose to leave after numerous conversations with club officials over the past ten days.
The match against Botev came four days after CSKA lost 1-0 to Levski Sofia in the Bulgarian Cup final and, according to reports, four of CSKA’s black players were subjected to racial slurs and banana throwing.
“The reason why no one gave an interview after the game is that we were all very indignant about the situation that had escalated,” the statement added.
“Our players decided to play only out of loyalty and to protect the club. The small group of organized racist fans who tried to sabotage this game is not what I want to lead and represent the team.
“This is not the right way for the benefit of CSKA, because such a club deserves much more.”
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