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England Vs Bulgaria Match Marred By Racist Abuse From Fans

England Vs Bulgaria Match Marred By Racist Abuse From Fans

The game has been stopped twice by the referee

Jake Massey

Jake Massey

England's Euro 2020 qualifier against Bulgaria has been halted twice by the referee following reports of racist abuse from fans.

The match in Sofia came to a standstill on two separate occasions after England players reported the abuse to manager Gareth Southgate.

The England vs Bulgaria match has been stopped twice by the referee following racist abuse from fans.
PA

PA announcements were subsequently made declaring the match would be abandoned if the abuse didn't stop.

Sky Sports News reporter Rob Dorsett said he had heard monkey chants in the stadium on six separate occasions.

He said: "I've heard clear monkey chants on six separate occasions in the last 10 mins when Mings and Rashford have been on the ball. I heard one fan clearly shout 'hey monkey' as Mings passed the ball.

"Abuse is coming from small groups of fans in home end, it's not widespread. England players clearly heard it and followed UEFA protocols, with captain Harry Kane reporting it to the referee, while Gareth Southgate has spoken to the fourth official.

"A stadium announcement, which warned fans that the game may be abandoned if the abuse continues, was met with loud booing from Bulgaria fans during the announcement. Bulgaria captain [Ivelin] Popov came over to talk to stewards and appeal for fans to stop."

One more strike would have seen the match abandoned.
PA

One more stoppage in play would have seen the game abandoned, according to UEFA protocol.

England went into the break 4-0 up, courtesy of goals from Marcus Rashford, a brace from Ross Barkley and a tap-in from Raheem Sterling. The final score was a 6-0 victory for England.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: uk news, Football