Published 10:25 IST, October 16th 2019
Euro 2020 qualifiers: UEFA press charges on England and Bulgaria
Euro 2020 qualifiers: UEFA opens proceedings against Bulgaria on four counts and against England on two counts after racism marred the football match in Sofia
England and Bulgaria, both have been charged by the UEFA following various incidents occurred in the game which England eventually ran out 6-0 winners. The game was halted in the first half itself when racial chants were heard directed towards the English players.
As it happened
The aftermath of the Euro 2020 qualifiers game, which took place in Sofia, Bulgaria on Tuesday saw the president of Bulgaria's Football Association Borislav Mihaylov hand his resignation after the nation's prime minister Boyko Borissov, released a statement demanding the same. Boris Johnson also joined hands with the anti-racism campaigners and requested UEFA to take strong action addressing the incident.
UEFA has now released a statement which reads, 'Disciplinary proceedings have been opened following the UEFA European Qualifiers match between Bulgaria and England (0-6), played on 14 October'. Bulgarian Football Union has been charged for four incidents for racist behaviour, throwing of objects as well as disruption of the national anthem. The FA has also been handed two charges namely for disruption of the national anthem and for insufficient numbers of travelling stewards. The case will be dealt with by the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body with the date of the meeting yet to be confirmed.
Several players including the Bulgarian captain Ivelin Popov, came forward in support of the war that has been waged against racism by the global footballing community. However, some players like Plamen Iliev, the Bulgarian goalkeeper felt that it was an overreaction by the English players after the English captain Harry Kane and manager Gareth Southgate registering several complaints during the game. However, several fans were escorted out of the stadium, which shows that the incidents were not tolerable and such condemnation is expected.
Updated 12:00 IST, October 16th 2019