Steaua Bucharest's lawyer loses his job for defending hooligan

Steaua Bucharest fired its lawyer, because the latter represented a fan who was arrested for allegedly hitting a cameraman with a chain at last week's derby against Dinamo.

Photo: Steaua Bucharest's lawyer loses his job for defending hooligan

Cameraman Robert Cristea had his leg broken and received other injuries on April 7 when assaulted by a group of Steaua fans who broke into the stadium after clashing with police outside.

Two fans were arrested on video footage, and one of them was represented by Steaua's lawyer, Radu Enache, which prompted criticism in the media that the club was encouraging hooligans.

"I want to make it clear that it's not Steaua that is defending the hooligan," Gigi Becali, the club's owner, said. "I spoke to the lawyer and he said he is free to represent whoever he wants, but then I told him we're also free to end our collaboration now."

Becali, who is also one of Romania's most popular politicians, called for tougher measures to stop hooligans. He also vowed to stop paying for buses to transport fans to away games.

Violent incidents are common at Bucharest matches between fans of the city's top three teams, Steaua, Dinamo and Rapid.