Ex-Hapoel Be'er Sheva Striker Arnold Garita Involved in Violent Altercation in Romania

Arnold Garita, a former striker for Hapoel Be'er Sheva, is at the center of a major controversy in Romania after a heated confrontation during a Steaua Bucharest training session with defender Valentin Crețu. The incident escalated to threats of violence, resulting in Crețu being removed from the squad and his future with the club now uncertain.

Reports from Romania suggest the altercation began during an internal practice match. One version, recounted by Crețu's wife, Madalina, states the dispute arose when Garita approached Florin Tănase with complaints after his team lost. Crețu allegedly told Garita to leave, saying, "Get out of here, you lost." Another account claims Garita taunted Crețu about the score, leading to a rapid escalation.

Club owner Gigi Becali offered a more dramatic account, alleging Crețu told Garita to "go back to China," referencing Garita's prior stint in Chinese football. Becali claims Garita responded with a threat, "You flea, if I slap you..." and added that Garita would have flattened Crețu if he had struck him, comparing the situation to an elephant looking at a flea. Despite the heated exchange, no physical assault occurred between Garita and Crețu.

The situation was further complicated when Mihai Stoica, chairman of the board, intervened. Crețu's wife asserted that Stoica threatened her husband, saying, "Calm down, before I take you apart." Witnesses reportedly heard Stoica tell Crețu, "You talk too much," and later, "Crețu, get out of here, or I'll hit you." Crețu then left for the locker room.

The incident occurred amidst existing tensions within the club. Florin Tănase had previously left a training session upset over remarks from assistant coach Lucian Filip, and several foreign players had expressed dissatisfaction with the captain's conduct. Crețu's intervention on Tănase's behalf contributed to the volatile atmosphere.

Becali made it clear that Stoica's position was unchallengeable, stating that anyone who listens to Stoica stays with the team, while those who don't, leave. He declared Crețu's time at Steaua over. However, Madalina Crețu stated her husband had not yet signed a contract termination and that the club owed him money, vowing not to give up any claims. Garita, who played for Hapoel Be'er Sheva from the summer of 2024 until January 2026, scoring seven goals in 39 appearances, finds himself embroiled in one of Romania's biggest early-season football controversies shortly after returning to Romanian football.