16.05.2025 18:00
After the match in which Celje, coached by former Galatasaray star Albert Riera, won the Slovenian Cup, chaos ensued. Following the final whistle, Riera walked angrily towards the opposing team's bench and was attacked by Savo Pavicevic, the assistant coach of Koper.
The Super Lig giant Galatasaray's former star Albert Riera's team, Celje, which he coaches, caused a stir after winning the Slovenian Cup by defeating FC Koper.
AFTER THE MATCH, A FIGHT BROKE OUT
Celje became champions by defeating FC Koper 4-0 in the Slovenian Cup final, but a fight that broke out after the match overshadowed the game. After the final whistle, Albert Riera walked angrily towards the opposing team's bench and was attacked by Koper's assistant coach Savo Pavicevic. Pavicevic kicked Riera, but those who intervened prevented the situation from escalating.
"I WANT TO APOLOGIZE"
The Spanish coach apologized for the fight that occurred after the match, stating, "I want to apologize to my club, my president Valeriy Kolotil, my players, and my fans for my reaction after winning the cup last night. I also want to personally apologize to Koper. To the club and its history, its fans, its players, and most importantly, its president. I promise that such an incident will never happen again in my career," he said.
Riera reacted to the news about him in the Slovenian media, stating, "Unfortunately, during this season, before every important match of NK Celje, the media spreads doubts and false information about my future and continuity at the club. No coach has been subjected to as much media abuse as I have. Yesterday was no different. A few hours before the match, I started receiving malicious messages containing insults directed at me. But even if these posts are the product of individuals' desire to create unrest or jealousy towards my team's success, it cannot be an excuse for me to express my feelings in an unsportsmanlike manner," he concluded.
"THE BIGGEST CLOWN"
On the FC Koper side, there was a strong reaction to Albert Riera due to the events that occurred. In a statement from the Slovenian club, it was said, "The whole of Slovenia has already realized that we are dealing with an unstable man who behaves as if he is under the influence of banned substances. That is exactly why FC Koper is clearly distancing itself from the circus named Albert Riera, who is the biggest clown," it stated.