Bulgaria match scrapped after team left with 6 men

A Bulgarian third division match was abandoned after only four minutes when injuries left an already depleted team with only six players on the pitch, local media reported.

Home side Gigant Belene began their highly-anticipated clash with Chavdar Byala Slatina on Sunday with only eight players, saying they were unable to field a full line-up due to numerous injuries and suspensions.

Gigant, second in the standings before the match, were quickly reduced to six after two players sustained injuries, leaving referee Stoyan Denev no choice but to abandon the game.

Teams have to field at least seven players according to the rules of the game.

Visiting Chavdar were awarded a 3-0 victory for the shortest soccer match played in the Balkan country, according to local statisticians.