Ex-Hapoel Be'er Sheva Striker Arnold Garita Involved in Heated 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 argument during a Steaua Bucharest training session with teammate Valentin Cretu. The dispute reportedly escalated to threats of violence, leading to Cretu's exclusion from the squad and casting doubt on his future with the club.

According to Romanian media, the incident began during an internal practice match. One version suggests the conflict ignited when Garita approached Florin Tănase with complaints after his team lost, and Cretu told Garita to leave. Another account claims Garita taunted Cretu about the result, leading to a rapid escalation.

Club owner Gigi Becali offered a more dramatic account, stating Cretu confronted Garita and told him to "go back to China," referencing Garita's prior stint in Chinese football. Becali alleged Garita responded with a threat, comparing the situation to an "elephant against a flea." Despite the heated exchange, no physical altercation occurred between Garita and Cretu.

However, the situation intensified when club president Mihai Stoica intervened. Cretu's wife claimed Stoica threatened her husband, while other witnesses reported Stoica told Cretu he was speaking too much and threatened him. Cretu then left for the locker room.

The incident occurred amidst existing tensions within the club. Reports indicate another player, Florin Tănase, had previously left training upset after comments from an assistant coach, and several foreign players had expressed dissatisfaction with the captain's conduct. Cretu's intervention on Tănase's behalf reportedly added to the friction.

Becali sided with Stoica, stating that Cretu's time at Steaua was over. However, Cretu's wife asserted that her husband had not yet signed a contract termination and that the club owed him money.

Garita's time at Hapoel Be'er Sheva, from the summer of 2024 to January 2026, saw him score seven goals in 39 appearances. His move to Steaua Bucharest has quickly placed him in the spotlight of Romanian football's early season drama.