ZCZC
BSP-13
EUR-2020-BUL-ENG-RACISM-JOHNSON
British PM condemns ‘vile’ racism at Bulgaria v England clash
LONDON, Oct 15, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on
Tuesday condemned the “vile” racist chanting directed at England players
during their Euro 2020 qualifier against Bulgaria in Sofia.
England recorded a 6-0 victory over their hosts in on Monday but the game
was overshadowed by offensive chanting from the stands, forcing the match to
be halted twice in the first half.
“The racism we saw and heard last night was vile and has no place in
football or anywhere else,” said the prime minister’s spokesman.
“The England players and management showed tremendous dignity and the prime
minister commends the players who were targeted with this despicable abuse
for their response.
“UEFA need to face up to facts. This stain on football is not being
adequately dealt with. Racism and discrimination must be driven out of
football once and for all.
“We support the FA’s calls for an urgent investigation with tough penalties
to follow. We are writing to UEFA today to ask for this to be conducted
swiftly.”
BSS/AFP/SSS/1724 hrs