This archive report was first published on 15 October 2019.
On Monday, England secured a 6-0 victory over Bulgaria in a Euro 2020 Group A clash, marking their comeback from a first tournament qualifying defeat in 10 years.
The match at the Vasil Levski stadium in Sofia was marred by racist incidents in the first half, prompting the referee to temporarily halt the game under a three-step UEFA protocol.
England players reported racist chanting to their manager, Gareth Southgate, who informed the referee and made a public announcement condemning the abuse.
Southgate explained that he warned his players that if any further incidents occurred in the second half, they would be forced to leave the field.
Most of the Bulgaria players and coach Krasimir Balakov denied hearing any racist abuse during the game.
However, a group of black-clad Bulgarian fans, some of whom were making right-wing salutes, were moved from an area behind the dugout after a heated discussion with home team captain Ivelin Popov at halftime.
Popov attempted to explain to the fans that their behavior was unacceptable, but they refused to listen.
England's victory was rounded off by goals from Ross Barkley, Raheem Sterling, and Harry Kane, with Sterling scoring twice and Kane netting in the final minutes of the game.
Coach Krasimir Balakov acknowledged that his team lacked class, saying, 'We have no class. I understand all the people who have bought tickets and wanted something different, but against this England team, with this dynamic, and with these players that cost millions…'
