England's football team had the perfect response to racism by Bulgarian fans during their Euro 2020 qualifying match last night.
Despite sections of the ground being closed in Sofia as punishment for previous racist incidents by Bulgarian supporters, yesterday’s match had to be stopped twice as fans were warned about monkey chants and Nazi salutes from the crowd.
However, the England players didn’t let the abuse affect their play and responded by trouncing a desperately poor Bulgaria side 6-0.
One player who stood out was Tyrone Mings - who responded professionally and gracefully in the face of targeted abuse during his England debut.
“I don’t think anything could spoil this moment for me, personally.” @OfficialTM_3 reflects on his debut for the… https://t.co/lAsaL9GEjf— England (@England) 1571089032
Very proud moment for me and my family tonight to make my @England debut. The unfortunate incidents in the game wer… https://t.co/amGLAxcDJp— Tyrone Mings (@Tyrone Mings) 1571091780
Another was Raheem Sterling - who scored two of England’s six goals and appeared to relish the opportunity to demolish the Bulgarian team.
https://t.co/6XzE1bhTR7 https://t.co/7gr5MFxl05— Raheem Sterling (@Raheem Sterling) 1571086656
Sterling also had some words for Bulgaria’s coach Krasimir Balakov after the manager tried to claim that England has a bigger problem with racism last week.
Mmmmh ... Not sure about this one chief https://t.co/Jyjr6vFtA8— Raheem Sterling (@Raheem Sterling) 1571087355
However, there was no contrition from Balakov as he was still trying to claim that his fans had not been racist last night.
After the match, he said:
I personally did not hear the chanting.
I saw the referee stopped the game but I also have to say the behaviour was also not only on behalf of the Bulgarian fans but also the English fans, who were whistling and shouting during the Bulgarian national anthem.
He added that he would be “truly sorry” if the accusation of racism “turns out to be true”...
There were no racist incidents by English fans reported during the match - instead the Three Lions supporters pushed back against racism from the Bulgarian stands.
England fans chanting: "Who put the ball in the racists net? Raheem f**king Sterling!" https://t.co/GxCyzSRTCB— SPORTbible (@SPORTbible) 1571085375
The match has been paused because of racist chants towards the England players. England fans are chanting: “You k… https://t.co/cfaFlDe0bg— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football Tweet ⚽) 1571080441
At least one Bulgaria player tried to stop their fans though - as captain Ivelin Popov confronted the home supporters at half-time.
Good for him. It needs to come from the home players. Imagine thinking you’re in any way superior due to the colour… https://t.co/ThcIkHRYhP— Gary Lineker 💙 (@Gary Lineker 💙) 1571082904
Regardless, there’s no place for the sort of behaviour witnessed last night in football (or anywhere).
Not an easy situation to play in and not one which should be happening in 2019. Proud we rose above it to take thre… https://t.co/gPI1Q3ADNG— Marcus Rashford MBE (@Marcus Rashford MBE) 1571086606
Every one of those @England boys are stronger than those who chose to destroy the beautiful game! @UEFA must do som… https://t.co/FBII6TvDiJ— Jesse Lingard (@Jesse Lingard) 1571085985
The best way to bounce back. Proud of the team. There’s no place in football for that - disgraceful behaviour. Some… https://t.co/aCJruBMfqI— Harry Maguire (@Harry Maguire) 1571087425