A protest by football fans in Sofia, Bulgaria ended with violent clashes on 16 November.

Thousands protested against the leadership of the Bulgarian Football Union, which has been the same for many years.

That evening's Euro 2024 qualifying match between Bulgaria and Hungary became the focus of a dispute between the Union's management and fans.

Just before the game started, fans threw explosives, bottles and stones at police, responded with water cannons.

The match was played in an empty stadium -- the latest decision to anger the fans, along with years of what they see as sporting underperformance.

Several people were arrested. There were an estimated 1,600 police and security officials at the incident.

This footage was filmed and produced 16 November 2023.

The protest of the united Bulgarian football fans ended with injured fans and policemen in Sofia, Bulgaria on the 16th of November.

Thousands protested against the leadership of the Bulgarian Football Union, which has been the same for more than 18 years.

Demonstrators throw bombs, pirates, stones and bottles. The police used water guns to disperse them. Several people were arrested. The security consisted of 1,600 policemen.

The protest took place before and during the European qualification match between Bulgaria and Hungary, which was played at the "Vasil Levski" national stadium in Sofia.

Fans are unhappy that the national team is performing particularly poorly and football teams rarely make it past the qualifying faves for tournaments.