{"id":1112979,"date":"2019-10-29T17:35:45","date_gmt":"2019-10-29T17:35:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?p=1112979"},"modified":"2022-09-20T23:52:48","modified_gmt":"2022-09-20T22:52:48","slug":"bulgaria-racism-uefa-punishment-england-euro-2020","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/bulgaria-racism-uefa-punishment-england-euro-2020\/","title":{"rendered":"“Embarrassing” – Uefa’s Bulgaria punishment met with criticism after racist abuse of England players"},"content":{"rendered":"

Uefa has ordered Bulgaria to play two matches behind closed doors as punishment for their fans’ racist behaviour during their Euro 2020 qualifying match against England.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Three Lions cruised to a 6-0 victory but events on the pitch were overshadowed by racist chants and Nazi salutes aimed at black players from a section of Bulgaria fans in the stands of Sofia’s Levski Stadium, which was already partially closed as punishment for previous crowd trouble.<\/p>\n

Play had to be stopped twice and speaking after the match, England manager Gareth Southgate expressed pride over his players’ handling of the situation.<\/p>\n

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He said:<\/a> “We reported everything immediately when we heard things. We had constant communication with the officials and referee and I was in contact with the players during the first half in particular and then again at half-time.<\/p>\n

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READ MORE:<\/strong><\/span> Marvin Sordell: \u2018Racism is a society problem, but football must play its part\u2019<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

“It\u2019s an unacceptable situation. I think we\u2019ve made two statements really by winning the game but also we have raised the awareness of everybody to the situation.<\/p>\n

“The game was stopped twice and I know for some people that won\u2019t be enough. But I think we as a group were on board with that process.”<\/p>\n

Raheem Sterling also took to social media to condemn the ‘idiots’ responsible for the abhorrent abuse.<\/p>\n

The head of the Bulgarian Football Union Borislav Mihaylov resigned the following day, while Uefa president Aleksander Ceferinw declared “war” on racism in football.<\/p>\n

After a long deliberation process, it was decided Bulgaria must now play their next competitive home match behind closed doors, while a second match under those conditions has been suspended for two years. The BFU has also been fined \u20ac75,000 (\u00a364,641) for racist behaviour and throwing objects, with a further \u20ac10,000 (\u00a38,623) for causing disturbance during a national anthem.<\/p>\n

England players react to “embarrassing” Uefa verdict<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Given previous discrepancies from Bulgaria fans, Uefa’s verdict has been met with widespread condemnation.<\/p>\n

Liverpool youngster Rhian Brewster took to Twitter to urge the world to “wake up” in light of what he called an “embarrassing” punishment.<\/p>\n

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Another embarrassing Verdict today. Two Games behind closed doors for Nazi salutes and racism. The world needs to wake up. #KickitOut<\/a><\/p>\n

— Rhian Brewster (@RhianBrewster9) October 29, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n