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Bulgarian Football Union President Borislav Mihaylov Resigns After Racism At England Game

Bulgarian Football Union President Borislav Mihaylov Resigns After Racism At England Game

The Prime Minister Boyko Borissov had called on the head of Bulgarian football to quit after England players were subjected to abuse.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Bulgarian football chief Borislav Mihaylov has resigned from his position following pressure from the country's Prime Minister after England players were subject to racist abuse on Monday night.

The Euro 2020 qualifier between the two countries had to be stopped twice after monkey chants were directed at Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling and Tyrone Mings, with the threat of the game being abandoned if it continued.

After the match Prime Minister Boyko Borissov called for Mihaylov to leave his post, saying on Facebook, "After last night's shameful defeat and the bad run of results, we will end all kind of relationship with the FA until Mihaylov resigns."

According to reports Mihaylov has now left the position, resigning on Tuesday afternoon.

In a statement the BFU claimed the resignation was 'a consequence of the recent tensions,' adding that Mihaylov had created 'an environment that is detrimental to Bulgarian football and the Bulgarian Football Union.'

The statement failed to mention the racism that happened during the game and added 'Mihaylov expresses his firm readiness to continue helping in the development of Bulgarian football in every possible way.'

It was Mings who first brought the racist abuse from the stands to the attention of the officials on Monday before the game was stopped on 28 minutes after further abuse, aimed at Sterling.

The referee stopped the game and after discussion with the teams there was an announcement of the PA system warning of further consequences should it continue.

Bulgaria fan holds up a shirt saying 'No Respect.' Image: PA Images
Bulgaria fan holds up a shirt saying 'No Respect.' Image: PA Images

There was a second stoppage during the first half but England players decided to make it to the break before discussing any further action, going into half-time already 4-0 up.

Some fans are reported to have been told to leave the ground though there were still reports that the racism continued into the second half.

England added two more goals to run out 6-0 winners and confirm their spot for next summer's tournament, with the semi-finals and final taking place at Wembley.

The referee talks to Gareth Southgate after stopping the game. Image: PA Images
The referee talks to Gareth Southgate after stopping the game. Image: PA Images

Bulgaria coach Krasimir Balakov claimed he didn't hear the racist chanting from the home team fans, instead focusing on England fans whistling through the hosts national anthem, saying, "I personally did not hear the chanting.

"I saw the referee stopped the game but I also have to say the behaviour was also not only on behalf of the Bulgarian fans but also the English fans, who were whistling and shouting during the Bulgarian national anthem.

"During the second half they used words against our fans which I find unacceptable."

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Topics: Football News, Racism, Football fans, Euro 2020, UEFA, Tyrone Mings, England, Marcus Rashford, Gareth Southgate, Raheem Sterling