Mings reveals shock extent of vile chants
TYRONE Mings has revealed he heard racist abuse even in the warm-up ahead of his England debut as a 6-0 thrashing of Bulgaria was overshadowed by abhorrent behaviour from home supporters.
There were two breaks in play during Monday night’s Euro 2020 qualifier in Sofia after racial abuse was reported to the match officials.
Following UEFA’s anti-racism protocols, an announcement was made in the 28th minute warning fans any further incidents could result in the match being abandoned, while there was another pause before half-time.
England decided to play the remainder of a game, in which Mings was audibly targeted in the early stages of his first cap, with television cameras picking him up asking the assistant referee if he had heard the abuse aimed in his direction.
However, the Aston Villa defender revealed the abuse had started even before kick-off. He said: “We spoke about it when we came in after the warm-up and, obviously, I don’t need to spell it out.
“I think everybody heard the chants, but we stood together and we made certain decisions.
“Just before half-time we were contemplating coming off the pitch because that was the next step after a stadium announcement but there were a couple of minutes to go to halftime.
“So we thought we’d play the couple of minutes, go into half-time and talk about it then, which we did and we made a collective decision.
“Everyone was happy to
continue, everyone was happy to see if things improved in the second half and I think it was important we allowed the correct protocol to be followed and things were better in the second half.”
Mings insisted he was not personally affected by the abuse – the first time he had been targeted in his career.
“I felt a bit sorry for the people that have these views,” he added. “I feel it is not a reflection of the views of the whole country and I feel the appropriate steps were taken.
“I was aware we had to follow the right protocols, and not think it does not affect me so I won’t report it. I have a duty to people who don’t have a voice or perhaps are abused and it does hurt or get to them. I don’t know why it does not affect me, it just doesn’t.”
While step two of UEFA’s protocol was not initiated, Mings was satisfied with the process and pleased with how the players stuck together. When asked if he felt the protocols had worked, he said: “They did, yes. I didn’t hear anything in the second half. I can’t speak for everybody but I can speak for myself.”
Having found out he was in line to make his debut, Mings flew out some of his family at short notice to cheer him on – a decision he does not regret, despite the events of the night.
“I’m immensely proud, it is a dream come true, for sure,” he said of his debut. “It is the pinnacle of English football – everybody dreams of representing their country, everybody knows my journey.
“I was extremely proud and had my friends and family in the crowd, so I don’t think they will let it overshadow this. I was absolutely happy they were here and it will be a memory we will talk about for a long, long time – a good memory.”