Sent Off in Derby, Rapid Coach Pancu Vows to Stop Discussing Referees

Rapid Bucharest coach Daniel Pancu received a red card and was sent to the stands after protesting referee Horațiu Feșnic's decision to stop play in the 53rd minute. Pancu entered the field after seeing Dinamo player Alexandru Musi down, believing the game should not have been interrupted as his team was attacking. "I thought the Dinamo player turned back onto the field and lay down, but maybe I don't know the rules well," Pancu stated after the match. "I could take pills (to not be tense), fall asleep on the bench. It's not advisable. I've never taken them and never will. From today on, I will not talk about refereeing anymore."

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I thought the Dinamo player turned back onto the field and lay down, but maybe I don't know the rules well. I could take pills (to not be tense), fall asleep on the bench. It's not advisable. I've never taken them and never will. From today on, I will not talk about refereeing anymore.

Pancu was also critical of his own players' performance, particularly their lack of goals. "The difference in football is made by goals. We had very many chances in these 5 stages. It's impossible to win if you don't score. Pure mathematics," he explained. He noted issues with player concentration and the team's offensive patterns, despite working hard in training. However, he expressed confidence in the team's potential and the positive support from the fans, who he praised for their constant singing.

The sole goal of the match came in the 73rd minute, against the run of play, with Karamoko scoring for Dinamo. Pancu felt the result was undeserved, suggesting a draw would have been fairer. He also cited squad issues, including injuries to Petrila and Kamara, and Graovac being substituted due to a yellow card. He mentioned the need for two more players to strengthen the midfield and cover for the absence of a natural left-back, specifically missing Borza.

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The difference in football is made by goals. We had very many chances in these 5 stages. It's impossible to win if you don't score. Pure mathematics.

Despite the loss and his ejection, Pancu reiterated his strong belief in the team's capabilities. "Everything is history, there are many good things. The fact that we dominate such a good opponent in this manner gives us great confidence for the future," he concluded, looking ahead to upcoming derby matches.

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The fact that we dominate such a good opponent in this manner gives us great confidence for the future.