BULGARIA U-TURN
Manager apologises to England stars...two days after saying he didn’t hear any abuse
BULGARIA boss Krasimir Balakov was forced into a humiliating U-turn yesterday as he apologised to England players for the racist abuse they suffered in Sofia.
The shame of that night was laid bare yesterday by footage from an American TV channel of Bulgaria legend Hristov Stoichkov breaking down in tears when asked about the behaviour of his country’s supporters.
Balakov’s comments before, during and after Monday’s Euro 2020 clash sparked controversy.
On Sunday he intimated that racism in football was a bigger problem in England than in Bulgaria. During the game he is understood to have described the abuse England players were receiving as ‘normal’.
Immediately after the 6-0 defeat, Balakov insisted he had not heard racist abuse and accused England fans of behaving disrespectfully.
The national team boss has now been forced into a climbdown. He said in a statement: ‘I would like to state one thing very clearly: since there have been reported cases of racial discrimination at the stadium in Sofia, I, as Bulgaria head coach, would like to offer my sincere apologies to the English footballers and anyone who felt offended.
‘I unconditionally condemn all forms of racism as unacceptable behaviour that contradicts normal human relationships. I find that this form of prejudice should be buried deep down in our past and nobody should ever be subjected to it.’
Bulgaria hero Stoichkov wept when talking about the disgraceful scenes. Asked on a Spanishlanguage American TV show what the solution was, the 53-year-old former Barcelona striker replied: ‘That fans are not allowed in the stadium or even heavier punishments. Like in England a few years ago; five years without going to stadiums. People don’t deserve to suffer.’
Stoichkov appeared to be talking about a similar punishment to that imposed by UEFA in the aftermath of the Heysel disaster, when English clubs were banned from Europe for five years.
Bulgarian police have confirmed six arrests after Monday’s events and are still searching for at least three more suspects.
FIFA are closely monitoring the Bulgarian Football Union following the resignation of their president Borislav Mihaylov.
It is claimed Mihaylov stood down from his position after the Bulgarian government threatened to freeze funding in the wake of Monday’s match.
Such a scenario could contradict FIFA article 19.1 which states that FAs must manage affairs ‘ independently and without influence’ from third parties.