- Title: Monkey chants heard from stands at Bulgaria-England Euro 2020 qualifier
- Date: 14th October 2019
- Summary: SOFIA, BULGARIA (OCTOBER 14, 2019) (REUTERS) FANS IN THE STANDS AT THE EURO 2020 QUALIFIER BETWEEN BULGARIA AND ENGLAND IN WHICH YOU CAN AUDIBLY HEAR PEOPLE MAKING MONKEY CHANTS WHITE FLASH ANOTHER SHOT OF STANDS IN WHICH MONKEY CHANT CAN BE HEARD
- Embargoed: 28th October 2019 22:29
- Keywords: Bulgaria England Euro 2020 qualifier racism racist abuse from the crowd
- Location: SOFIA, BULGARIA
- City: SOFIA, BULGARIA
- Country: Bulgaria
- Topics: Soccer,Sport
- Reuters ID: LVA001B12MVR3
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: EDITORS PLEASE NOTE: CELL PHONE QUALITY
EDITORS PLEASE NOTE: EDIT CONTAINS A WHITE FLASH
The Euro 2020 qualifier between Bulgaria and England was twice halted by the match referee in the first half on Monday (October 14) under a three-step UEFA protocol to tackle racist abuse from the crowd.
Fans making monkey chants could be heard from the stands at Sofia's Levski stadium.
Britain's Sky Sports television said racist chanting was heard from the stands and reported by England players to manager Gareth Southgate, with the referee informed and a public announcement made while play was stopped.
The match was again temporarily suspended after a further complaint was made by Southgate.
Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett said he had heard monkey chants on six occasions when England players Tyrone Mings, making his debut, and Marcus Rashford were in possession of the ball.
The UEFA protocol involves the referee first halting play and making an announcement to the supporters to immediately stop racist behaviour.
The second step sees the match suspended for some time and both teams sent to the dressing room if the abuse continues, with another warning given to the fans.
In the third and final step, the referee decides to abandon the match. Sky quoted UEFA as stating that the referee had not enforced the second step even though play was halted twice.
England won the Group A match 6-0.
(Production: Carl Racine, Kurt Michael Hall) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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