Bulgaria handed two-match stadium ban and fined for racial abuse during England clash
UEFA have handed Bulgaria a two-match stadium ban and fined them €75,000 (£65,000) for their fans racist behaviour towards England fans during a Euro 2020 qualifier.
UEFA decided to fine Bulgaria €75,000 (£65,000) for their fans throwing of objects and an additional €10,000 (£8,600) for causing disturbance during a national anthem.
However, the English FA didn’t escape punishment and UEFA have fined them €5,000 (£4,300) for fans causing a disturbance during a national anthem.
The match between Bulgaria and England was halted in the first half by the referee as part of a three-step UEFA protocol to tackle racist abuse from the crowd.
Racist chanting was heard from the stands, which England players then reported to manager Gareth Southgate after which a public announcement was made on two occasions.
England beat Bulgaria 6-0 during their Euro 2020 qualifier (Image: GETTY)
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It was reported that the Bulgaria fans' behaviour included Nazi salutes and monkey chants.
After the game Southgate said: “We’ve made a major statement with the way we played, through such difficult circumstances.
"I don’t think a game of this magnitude has ever been stopped twice. So, I’m incredibly proud of all of the players and all of the staff."
Less than a week after the match Bulgaria manager Borislav Mihaylov resigned and accused Southgate of exaggerating the nature of the chanting.
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Gareth Southgate speaking to the referee during England's Euro 2020 qualifier with Bulgaria (Image: GETTY)
He initally claimed “there were four or five people making the chants” but later issued a statement making a “sincere apology” to the England team and anyone else offended by the racist abuse.
Since the match authorities in Bulgaria have identified 16 suspects and made 12 arrests.
Four people were fined and given two-year bans, with others remaining under investigation.