Rapid Bucharest Coach Stays, Owner Cites Evidence Incidents Were Staged

"Mircea Rednic was so upset and disappointed that I barely persuaded him it would be best if he stayed with Rapid. I talked to him around midnight last night and he was still disappointed, but he won’t quit the team. He still believes the final decision will not be to the team’s disadvantage and Rapid can secure the first or second place and play in Champions League," Copos said.

 

The Rapid official said he has evidence the incident that caused the Rapid-Steaua derby on Thursday was planned and staged. The match was halted in the 74th minute when central referee Alexandru Deaconu was hit on the head by an object thrown from the home side’s area.

 

"The whole thing was staged and the artisan is Gheorghe Becali (Steaua owner – e.n.). I take full responsibility for my statements. We have evidence, we’ll present it Monday. This was staged and premeditated," Copos said.

 

After the match Thursday, Rednic said he would resign, but on Friday he left to understand in a statement for MEDIAFAX that he was persuaded to stay by some of the players and owner Copos.