Published 10:47 IST, October 15th 2019
Euro 2020 Qualifiers: Sterling, Rashford respond to racist abuse
England cruised past Bulgarian team 6-0 in their clash of Euro qualifier. Former and current English players took it to Twitter reacting to the racial chants.
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England cruised past Bulgaria 6-0 in their Euro 2020 qualifier clash on Monday. It was overall an incredible performance from the English side as they went on to strengthen their place as the top of Group A. The match halted twice due to the racial chants from the Bulgarian crowd. The first pause was in the 28th minute as Gareth Southgate’s men were leading 2-0. Several announcements were made during the match, condemning the racial abuse.
Euro 2020 Qualifiers: Plagued football
However, the game was halted again in the 43rd minute due to a barrage of racial abuse. The game restarted after referee and manager Southgate had a discussion on the touchline. England showed professionalism throughout the match, leaving Sofia with a scoreline of England 6 and Bulgaria 0. Former and current England players took it to Twitter to express their concern.
Marcus Rashford, England forward
Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford praised the Bulgarian skipper Ivelin Popov with a tweet. Instead of having a team conversation in the half time, the Bulgarian captain preferred remonstrating with the Bulgarian supporters out on the terraces. He wrote that his courage to stand alone shouldn't go unnoticed.
Also been told what the Bulgaria captain did at half-time. To stand alone and do the right thing takes courage and acts like that shouldn’t go unnoticed. #NoToRacism
— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) October 14, 2019
Harry Maguire, England centre back
Manchester United centre back wrote that it was the best way to bounce back and he is proud of the team. He claimed it as a disgraceful behaviour from the fans and something should be done about this.
The best way to bounce back. Proud of the team. There’s no place in football for that - disgraceful behaviour. Something must be done. 🏴 @England
— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) October 14, 2019
Raheem Sterling, England winger
Manchester City winger, Raheem Sterling wrote that he feels sorry for the Bulgarian team as they are being represented by such disgraceful fans. He wrote that it is a happy ending as the England side did their job and wished safe travel to the England fans. Also, he thanked the English supporters.
Feeling sorry for Bulgaria to be represented by such idiots in their stadium. Anyway.. 6-0 and we go back home, at least we did our job. Safe travel to our fans, u guys did well 🤟🏾❤️
— Raheem Sterling (@sterling7) October 14, 2019
Gary Lineker, former English footballer
Gary Lineker praised the England manager Southgate in his tweet. He termed him as a sound, measured and intelligent leader. He claimed Southgate to be the right man for England's young side.
Gareth Southgate has shown, once again, under trying circumstances what a sound, measured and intelligent leader he is. We’ve got the right man in charge of our young team at the right time. 👍🏻
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) October 14, 2019
Football Association of England
The FA wrote that they are feeling sad about the incident. They added that this is not the first time when heir players have been subjected to racial abuse. Also, they wrote about reporting it to the UEFA and asked them to investigate as a matter of urgency.
As we are sadly aware, this is not the first time our players have been subjected to this level of abuse and there is no place for this kind of behaviour in society, let alone in football.
— The FA (@FA) October 14, 2019
We will be asking @UEFA to investigate as a matter of urgency.
09:09 IST, October 15th 2019