Romanian media praises Stefan Barboianu for 'true professionalism'

Romanian media was full of praise for the courage shown by Dinamo Bucharest's Stefan Barboianu, after the midfielder played in a local derby against bitter rivals Steaua, just hours after losing his son.

The 26 year-old Dinamo vice-captain, was informed on Friday, that his three-day old infant son, had died in hospital following complications.

"A true professional and a character," wrote digisport.ro, with fans using Internet forums and social media to offer their condolences.

Devastated Barboianu, capped 18 times by the Romanian Under-21 team, told Dinamo coach Flavius Stoican prior to the derby, that he was prepared to play despite his personal tragedy.

Stoican said it was an inappropriate time to discuss Barboianu's situation.

"I don't want to comment on Barboianu's family, it's not easy," Stoican told reporters. "I have great confidence in him," added Stoican.

Goals from Lukasz Szukala, Paul Papp and Claudiu Keseru, gave 1986 European Cup winners Steaua, a well-deserved 3-0 win, in a cracking atmosphere at the National Arena.

Steaua top the standings on 31 points from 13 matches, five points ahead of CFR Cluj, who play Brasov on Monday. Dinamo are fifth on 22.