England manager Gareth Southgate was proud of his players after making a “major statement” on and
off the pitch by refusing to let the racists win in Bulgaria.
Monkey chants and Nazi salutes punctuated England’s 6-0 win in Monday’s Euro 2020 qualifier at the Vasil Levski National Stadium, where the Football Association’s worst fears came to fruition on a night of shame in Sofia.
The match became a sideshow and was halted twice as England players received abhorrent abuse, with the first step of UEFA’s protocol implemented in the 28th minute as an announcement was made on the public address system.
There was another pause in play as half-time approached following more racist behaviour, but play resumed after widespread discussion and the departure of a group of individuals in the home end.
Few would have blamed England’s players for refusing to return for the second half, but they did so with great dignity and moved a step closer to Euro 2020 as braces from Raheem Sterling and Ross Barkley complemented Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane’s efforts.
“We have prepared for the whole week and maintained communication with all of our players and all of our staff throughout,” Southgate said.
Read Also: Southgate: I wouldn’t leave England for any job
“We made the fourth official aware as soon as we heard anything happen – and everybody saw the game stopped and the announcement to the crowd.