Bulgarian club apologises after holding minute's silence for former player who is still alive

"We wish Petko Ganchev many more years of good health and to enjoy the success of Arda," the club said in a statement to apologise.

A football club in Bulgaria has made a public apology for holding a minute's silence in honour of one of their former players, only to discover he is still alive. Pic: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire.

A football club in Bulgaria has made a public apology for holding a minute's silence in honour of one of their former players, only to discover he is still alive.

Bulgarian side Arda Kardzhali decided to pay tribute to its ex-player Petko Ganchev before Sunday's league game with Levski Sofia, with both teams lining up around the centre circle and bowing their heads for the period of silence.

But after being informed of their error before the conclusion of the match, Arda took to their Facebook page to post an apology to Ganchev and his family.

"The management of PFC Arda would like to express a huge apology to the former Arda player Petko Ganchev and his relatives after the club received wrong information about his death," the club stated.

"We wish Petko Ganchev many more years of good health and to enjoy the success of Arda."

The Republic of Ireland take on Bulgaria in the city of Plovdiv on Thursday night in the first leg of their Uefa Nations League promotion/relegation playoff.