PLOVDIV, Bulgaria, April 30 (Reuters) - CSKA Sofia clinched
their 31st Bulgarian league title behind closed doors on
Wednesday after a 3-1 win at mid-table Botev Plovdiv with three
matches remaining.
No spectators watched the match as Botev were serving a
two-match ban for crowd violence.
Victory secured the title as CSKA now have a 13-point lead
over second-placed Levski Sofia, who have four games left.
"It's a pity that we won the title in the absence of the
fans,", said CSKA coach Stoycho Mladenov told reporters.
"Football is a game for the fans and I think that the
Bulgarian Football Union should reconsider its policy. No one
likes to play in such silence."
CSKA's Brazilian striker Nei was on target twice in the
first half, netting his third consecutive league double.
He opened the scoring with a close-range effort from
Romanian midfielder Florentin Petre's right wing cross after 25
minutes.
Georgi Hristov, the league's top scorer, equalised for Botev
from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute, taking his tally to 18
for the season.
But Nei restored CSKA's lead with a penalty awarded for a
foul on Petre just before halftime and Petre put the result
beyond doubt with a fine solo run and a powerful drive in the
85th minute.
CSKA have 71 points from 27 matches, while Levski, who play
at Chernomorets Burgas later on Wednesday, are second on 58
points from 26.
