DON’T LET THIS SHAME HAPPEN AGAIN

Striker Roberts worried about repeat of Sofia racism

TYLER ROBERTS hopes there will be no repeat of England’s racism ordeal in Bulgaria tonight.

The hosts have sold tickets for Wales’ visit, with a small crowd expected at the Vasil Levski Stadium in Sofia for their Nations League tie.

It is the same venue where England’s Euro 2020 qualifying victory over Bulgaria was overshadowed by shameful scenes of racism exactly a year ago.

The game was stopped twice and officials threatened to abandon the match, after Tyrone Mings, Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford were targeted by fans making monkey noises.

Bulgaria were later ordered by U UEFA to play their next c competitive home game behind c closed doors. Wales boss Ryan Giggs ( left) and his team will pray there are no similar appalling scenes this evening.

And Leeds striker Roberts, 21, said: “Hopefully, there are restrictions and things put in place to help prevent that type of thing. No matter what age or colour you are, you hope this doesn’t happen.

“It’s something that unfortunately still creeps into the game here and there, but I’ve got the right people around me to deal with it if that situation occurs.

“In all types of football – club and country – there are still steps that need to be made and things that need to happen. The Black Lives Matter movement and stuff like that has helped, but I still feel like it’s a bit away from where it needs to be.

“I want to be a part of trying to help and improve it. But, at the same time, there are also people higher up who need to be at the front of that.”

Roberts is aiming for his first international goal and feels his game has improved under Marcelo Bielsa, who has led Leeds back into the top flight.

The forward added: “He has made me understand the game at a completely different level. I have matured since he has been at the club, knowing how the game needs to be played. It has changed me as a player and a person.”

Aaron Ramsey (above) has pulled out of tonight’s game through injury. The midfielder returned to action for Wales in the goalless draw with the Republic of Ireland, after missing the friendly defeat to England. David Brooks is also out injured, while Kieffer Moore is suspended. WALES: Hennessey, N Williams, Ampadu, Rodon, Davies, Smith, Levitt, Wilson, J Williams, James, Roberts