Rapid punished with 3-0 defeat for abandoned derby match

BUCHAREST (Reuters) - Rapid Bucharest were punished with a 3-0 defeat by the Romanian Soccer Federation (FRF) after their match against Steaua Bucharest was abandoned when the home side's fans threw stones and objects on to the pitch.

Referee Alexandru Deaconu, hit by a cigarette lighter on the head, abandoned the derby game in the 73rd minute with Rapid leading 1-0.

The FRF also fined Rapid and ordered them to play their next two home league home matches behind closed doors.

The decision cut to three points the gap between leaders CFR Cluj, on 56 points, and Steaua Bucharest on 53.

Rapid said they would appeal against the decision.

"The FR decision is illegal," club president George Copos told reporters.

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