Professional footballer Zhivko Milanov, who plays for Vaslui and as part of the Bulgarian national team, has been undergoing emergency dental treatment after being involved in a nasty collision with another player during a Romanian league match on Monday. The twenty-eight year old defender clashed with CFR Cluj centre back Ricardo Sousa – better known as Cadu.
Milanov leapt to head a ball at waist height in the centre circle when Cadu lunged in with a high boot and caught the defender right in the face. Milanov crashed to the ground clutching his mouth and Cadu – who appeared to have escaped unscathed – was shown a red card by the referee. According to news website Reuters, Milanov had two teeth knocked out on the pitch by Cadu’s boot and then had to have a further three removed at the hospital after being stretchered off.
It has not yet been revealed what sort of restorative treatment Milanov will receive, although dental implants or a bridge may viable options.
Vaslui coach Viorel Hizo voiced his disgust at Cadu’s actions, mentioning that the Portuguese player had a history with this kind of violent conduct during games, he also seemed to be suggesting that the collision was due to negligence or aggression, rather than bad-timing. The coach said ‘It’s a crime. It’s not the first time Cadu has committed such a foul and I’m curious to what his punishment will be.’