Although England smashed Bulgaria (0-6) on Monday in a tantalising team display, it was the racism by groups of Bulgarian fans which took precedence.
England played very well considering the slippery training field nature of the pitch; Goals from Marcus Rashford, Harry Kane and braces for Raheem Sterling and Ross Barkley respectively enabled England to complete an impressive bounce back from their initial ignominious 2-1 defeat at the hands of Czech Republic. However, immense racism from a group of Bulgaria fans meant the game ran the risk of being abandoned - as part of a 3-step protocol put in place by UEFA. Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings, who produced a dominant display at the back on his debut, and attackers Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford were all subjected to abuse and Ross Barkley later, after fans learned he was of Nigerian descent.
The 3-step protocol by UEFA reached step 2, as a warning was given through the intercom to stop racist abuse and the fans mostly responsible who were positioned behind the goal were asked to leave and from then, the abuse in its predominance, stopped. It was good to see Bulgaria captain Ivelin Poppov tells the fans at half-time to stop and leave everybody alone. The response from Gareth Southgate and his team was nothing short of applaudable and their conduct throughout the whole ordeal remained professional.
Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling responded to the third step of UEFA's protocol by saying you are "letting them win" by walking off the pitch and abandoning the game. The disgust it brings knowing racism is still prominent and the fact that world class players, or their chances, are being jeopardised by the colour of their skin. We are in the 21st Century. KICK IT OUT.