Balakov makes U-turn
BULGARIA boss Krasimir Balakov has staged a U-turn and issued a public apology to the England stars who were subjected to racist abuse.
Balakov could now resign over the fall-out from the shameful night in Sofia this week that has shocked the whole of football.
Ex-World Cup star Balakov, 53, denied on Monday night he had heard any racist abuse during the game.
But Balakov changed his tune yesterday, issuing a statement over the abuse players, including Tyrone Mings and Raheem Sterling, received during England’s 6-0 win. He said: “My comments prior to the game that Bulgaria did not
have trouble with racism were based on the fact that the local championship has not seen such an issue on a large scale.
“There might have been isolated cases, but it is definitely not something that you see at the stadium.
“The majority of fans do not participate in such chants and I believe this to have been the case in the game against England.
“Since there have been reported cases of racial discrimination at the stadium in Sofia I’d like to offer my sincere apologies to the English players and to anyone who felt offended.”
Balakov was ridiculed on the night as TV clearly picked up monkey chants and booing and jeering whenever Sterling touched the ball.
Reports suggest Balakov could now quit after Football Union president Borislav Mihaylov was forced to resign on Tuesday. He had also denied a problem with racism.
Six Bulgarian fans suspected of racial abuse have been arrested. Bulgaria’s Ministry of the Interior said: “Work is ongoing to identify others.”
POLICE in Bulgaria have identified 15 fans suspected of subjecting black England players to racist abuse and arrested six of them.
The nine not arrested are under investigation, while three others are being hunted.
England’s Euro 2020 qualifier was stopped twice as players were targeted with abuse, monkey chants and Nazi salutes. England went on to win the game 6-0.
World football chiefs called for life bans from stadiums for thugs found guilty of racist behaviour.
The UK Government has written to Uefa calling for tough penalties on those involved in Monday’s game.
On Tuesday Bulgaria’s football chief Borislav Mikhailov resigned. Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said: “It is unacceptable for Bulgaria.”
Uefa have charged Bulgaria with racist behaviour and three other offences. England were also hit with two charges including disruption of a national anthem.