Cristi Săpunaru uses vulgar language against Robert Niță during live broadcast

Cristi Săpunaru used vulgar language against Robert Niță during a live broadcast on 2026-10-28. The exchange occurred while the two former players discussed recent comments made by Rapid coach Daniel Pancu. Moderator Radu Naum immediately interrupted Săpunaru and warned him about the language used in the show.

The conflict originated from Pancu’s statement that he had warned his players not to play roughly before the match against FCSB. Săpunaru criticized this approach, stating he would have asked the coach if he wanted to lose the match if he were in the locker room. Niță responded with irony to Săpunaru's criticism of Pancu.

Săpunaru claimed he has never had any issue with Niță and did not start the discussion. He referenced a nickname for Niță that was previously given by Florin Prunea. Prunea had referred to Niță as a "breloc" (keychain). Săpunaru posted photographs on Instagram showing him hugging Dan Șucu in the Rapid lounge with a keychain.

FCSB defeated Rapid with a score of 4-1 in the derby match. Săpunaru is a former Rapid player who made 212 appearances for the club. He won the Cup in 2007 and the SuperCupa in 2008 during his time at the team. Niță also played for Rapid and won one title with the club in 2003.

Tensions between Săpunaru and the current Rapid management have been public. Săpunaru sued Daniel Cârciug, the club's image director, last autumn. Reports indicate Săpunaru wants to call club owner Dan Șucu and Victor Angelescu as witnesses in his lawsuit. Săpunaru claims an incident involving alcohol in the locker room was fabricated to damage his image.

Rapid hired Mauro Pederzoli for the sporting director position after Săpunaru retired instead of appointing the former defender. Niță stated that a newspaper reported Săpunaru has an offer from ASA Târgu Mureș. The verbal exchange between the two men took place before the FCSB - Rapid match.