Bulgaria defender gets two-match ban over fracas with Armenia players

PanARMENIAN.Net - Bulgaria defender Veselin Minev has been banned for two matches by FIFA for his role in a fracas during his team's 1-0 win over Armenia in a World Cup qualifier on Sept 11, the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) said.

Left back Minev, who escaped unpunished in a tense game featuring three red cards, was also fined 6,000 Swiss francs ($6,500) by soccer's world governing body.

The suspension means that Minev, will miss Bulgaria's qualifiers against Denmark on Friday, October 12 and away to Czech Republic four days later.

Bulgaria have enjoyed a solid start to their qualifying campaign, drawing 2-2 at home with Euro 2012 runners-up Italy and beating Armenia 1-0 to lie second in Group B with four points, level with leaders Italy, Reuters reported.