Slavia Sofia midfielder Bozhidar Vasev, considered one of the most talented young players in Bulgaria, was stabbed in the back by unknown attackers in downtown Sofia on Tuesday night.

“I’m shocked,” Vasev. “We were walking and eight boys stood in our way. One of them hit me and I reacted to keep my dignity but at that time another lad stabbed me in the back.”

Vasev was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. His condition is said to be stable.

Two Cherno More Varna fans were stabbed and three more seriously injured in clashes following the club’s 3-1 win over Levski Sofia in the Bulgarian league earlier this month.