Racism: Hristo Stoichkov wants 5-year ban for naughty fans
Bulgaria legend Hristo Stoichkov broke down in tears while speaking about the disgusting racial abuse England players suffered during a match against his country on Monday night.
The Euro 2020 qualifier in Sofia was halted twice as England’s black players were subjected to shocking racist chants and monkey noises from the home supporters.
UEFA have since opened disciplinary proceedings against Bulgaria for a number of charges and it remains to be seen how severe their punishment will be.
Stoichkov, Bulgaria’s greatest ever player, was asked how to tackle racism during a television appearance on TUDN, an American Spanish language sports channel, and got emotional when he delivered his response.
‘What is the solution?’, the presenter asked before Stoichkov replies: ‘That fans are not allowed in the stadium or even heavier punishments.
‘Like in England for years. five years without going to stadiums. People don’t deserve to suffer.’ The 53-year-old then leaned forward and appeared to start to cry as the conversation moved on to the other guests.
It is believed Stoichkov is talking about a similar punishment to that imposed by UEFA in the aftermath of Heysel.
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English club sides were banned from European club competitions for five years after 39 people were killed before the start of the 1985 European Cup final in Belgium.
Stoichkov won the Ballon d’Or in 1994 and won numerous titles with CSKA Sofia and Barcelona during his career.