Sofia (AFP)
The playoff match for Euro-2020 between Bulgaria and England was almost interrupted by the referee following racist cries coming from the stands Monday in Sofia.
In a game that England dominated - 4-0 at the break - the three "Three Lions" black players, Tyrone Mings on defense, Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling on offense, were the target of ape cries.
In accordance with the UEFA protocol, the referee had an announcement made by the stadium announcer asking the responsible supporters to stop at half an hour before having a long discussion with the officials but also the English teams. and Bulgarian at the end of regulation time of the first period.
The decision was finally taken to play the six minutes of additional time until the break, during which Bulgarian captain Ivelin Popov went to talk with supporters.
The Vassil-Levski Stadium in which the match is taking place was already sanctioned by UEFA since a 5000-seat stand was closed following racist incidents during the match against Kosovo in November. June.
Before the match, several players in the English team had been talking in the locker room about the attitude to adopt in case of racist insults, some, like Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham pleading for a departure from the lawn , although it was not foreseen in the UEFA protocol.
© 2019 AFP