Suspended FC Botoșani coach Marius Croitoru spotted in stands with wife during U Craiova match

U Craiova defeated FC Botoșani 2-1 in a Superliga match played at the Ion Oblemenco stadium. FC Botoșani head coach Marius Croitoru was absent from the technical bench because he was serving a suspension due to accumulated yellow cards.

Despite the suspension, Croitoru was filmed in the stands with his wife during the match against U Craiova. Footage from the 57th minute showed his wife gesturing animatedly while watching the game. Croitoru attempted to avoid camera attention by wearing a jacket with the hood up and buttoned, covering his mouth while speaking.

FRF regulations prohibit suspended coaches from sitting on the bench, entering dressing rooms, tunnels, or the pitch area. Rules introduced in August 2022 require suspended coaches to watch matches from a designated spot near the match delegate or referee observer. The rule aims to prevent suspended coaches from transmitting instructions to the technical bench via intermediaries. Coaches are prohibited from communicating with players or giving instructions during the match, either directly or through other persons.

Following the match, Marius Croitoru left the stadium on the FC Botoșani team bus. His wife departed separately in a car that followed the bus.