Gigi Becali denies racism accusations after FCSB fans chant at Rapid derby

FCSB defeated Rapid 4-1 in a Superliga derby match held on Saturday evening at Arena Naţională. The result came in stage 13 of the league campaign.

Following the match, FCSB owner Gigi Becali denied accusations that chants from the home supporters constituted racism. He engaged in a heated exchange with journalist Vali Moraru regarding the issue.

Becali stated that the term "ţigan" used by FCSB supporters is merely a nickname for Rapid within the context of their rivalry. He insisted that these chants are not racist.

The FCSB owner claimed that critics were inventing the accusation of racism. He asserted that FCSB supporters do not have an issue with Roma people, but rather with the Rapid team specifically.

Becali further claimed that FCSB has more Roma individuals in its gallery than Rapid. He stated that he knows the definition of racism but believed others were misapplying the term.

During the discussion, Becali remarked that he does not want to evolve and prefers to remain primitive regarding civilization standards. This comment was part of his broader defense of the fan behavior.

FCSB general manager Mihai Stoica also addressed the controversy. He described the chants as folklore directed against Rapid, rather than against anyone personally.

Stoica stated that the only way to stop the chants and end stadium racism is to play matches without spectators. He claimed that most citizens of Roma ethnicity support FCSB and are not offended by the chants.

Rapid owner Victor Angelescu entered the debate on October 26, 2026. He stated that racist chants must stop because they offend Roma people.

Angelescu urged Mihai Stoica to take action to stop chants from both FCSB and Dinamo galleries. The two officials exchanged contrasting views on the acceptability of the behavior.