Podcasts

Bulgaria vs England: Racism In the Spotlight

The Group A match was stopped twice due to sickening racist gestures England's 6 goal thumping of Bulgaria in Monday night's Euro 2020 qualifier was a solid win, but their real victory was remaining on the pitch for 90+ minutes. In what was one of the most blatant displays of racist abuse you are likely to see, a small group of Bulgarian ultras (you couldn't call them fans) brazenly monkey chanted and laughed as they raised wave after wave of Nazi salutes. OFFICIAL: A public message has been played inside the Stadion Vasil Levski warning fans that the referee will cancel England vs. Bulgaria if the "racist behaviour" continues. pic.twitter.com/sRxR7UdwSv — Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) October 14, 2019 "As a team, we decided if we'd left the pitch then they would win." Jordan Henderson says England considered walking off after suffering racist abuse in Bulgaria but says the players were determined to stay on and make a stand in their European qualifier: https://t.co/OsLkVAKwqp pic.twitter.com/8cdBkJNitd — Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) October 15, 2019 Bulgaria's Prime Minister, Boyko Borissov is even calling on the country's football union chief to resign after the disgusting scenes in Sofia. Offtheball.com sports guru John Duggan explores the scenario and takes a look at ways UEFA can strengthen their protocols. Check out the discussion in full by pressing the play button on screen.     see more