15 Oct Euro 2020 qualifier marred by "appalling" racist behaviour

A Euro 2020 qualifier between Bulgaria and England has been marred by acts of racism that halted play twice.

Bulgarian fans were seen gesturing Nazi salutes and taunting English players with monkey chants and boos that prompted the referee to stop the match on two occasions in the first half.

England’s 6-0 win in Sofia was soured as a result of the racial abuse that was directed at Tyrone Mings, Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford.

Football Association chairman Greg Clarke strongly condemned the racist behaviour.

This is probably as bad as it gets…

Nazi salutes and "NO RESPECT" messages are seen from Bulgaria fans in new damning vision, courtesy of @ITVFootball.#OptusSport #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/vlgX3B22xy

— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) October 14, 2019

Mmmmh … Not sure about this one chief https://t.co/Jyjr6vFtA8

— Raheem Sterling (@sterling7) October 14, 2019

“It's probably one of the most appalling nights I've seen in football,” Clarke said.

“I was looking at a group of people, all in black – about 50 of them – who were making what looked like political fascist gestures. I couldn't be sure, it was 100 metres away but it looked appalling.

“I've spoken to one or two of the players and I've also spoken to one or two of the backroom staff, because we don't just have a multiracial team, we have a multiracial backroom staff.

“They were visibly emotionally upset, and I spoke to Gareth (Southgate) after the game too and I offered him our full support.”

Clarke urged UEFA to carry out a thorough investigation and come down hard on the people involved.