SICKENING!
GIVE RACISTS RED CARD INSISTS SKY BLUES LEGEND SADDENED AT HORRIFIC ABUSE OF ENGLAND STARS BY BULGARIAN THUGS
ENGLAND captain Harry Kane has called for “stronger punishments” for racism.
There were two breaks in play during the Euro 2020 qualifier with Bulgaria in Sofia after racist chanting was reported to the match officials – with England eventually running out comfortable 6-0 winners.
Following UEFA’s anti-racism protocols, an announcement was made in the 28th minute warning fans that any further incidents could result in the match being abandoned, while another pause before half-time only added to the nasty spectacle.
England decided at half-time to play the remainder of the game as braces from Ross Barkley and Raheem Sterling, together with goals from Marcus Rashford and Kane, ensured a thumping win for the visitors. A three-step protocol from the governing body would have allowed the officials to take the teams off for a break in play as a second measure – before ultimately taking the final step of abandoning the game.
But Kane questioned whether being given three chances is the right way to punish offenders – echoing the view of Football Association chairman Greg Clarke.
“Whether the UEFA protocol is strong enough, I am not sure,” he said. “Whether any racial abuse should be allowed at any time... well, it shouldn’t be.
“The protocol at the moment allows there to be an announcement and two or three steps before the players are taken off the pitch,” he added.
“It is unacceptable to be racist once so I feel there can be stronger punishments and protocols but, from our point of view as a team, we stuck together, showed unity and did what we had to and that is the most important thing.”