A Bulgarian football club has apologised after holding a minute’s silence for a former player who is still alive. Top-flight side Arda Kardzhali mourned former player Petko Ganchev, 78, before their 1-1 draw with Levski Sofia on Sunday, with players from both teams lining in on the centre circle and bowing their heads during the silence.

Bulgarian top-flight team Arda Kardzhali apologises for holding a minute's silence for former player Petko Ganchev, only to discover he is still alive.

A Bulgarian football club has faced embarrassment as they managed to hold a minute’s silence for a former player who is still alive. Holding a silence at the beginning of a game is a common mark of respect across sport during times of tragedy or sorrow.