Southgate’s fears over racist abuse
ENGLAND manager Gareth Southgate’s comments about his players suffering potential racist abuse in the Euro 2020 qualifier in Bulgaria next month have been described as ‘groundless, inappropriate and unnecessary’ in a statement from the Bulgarian Football Union.
Speaking ahead of the October clash in Sofia, Southgate said it was ‘a concern’ that his players would be abused.
Southgate’s words came in the wake of Raheem Sterling being the target of alleged abuse from a Bulgaria fan in the reverse fixture between the sides at Wembley last Saturday.
It is understood that the 24-year-old, a key figure in the fight against racism, was the focus of discriminatory language during the first half of Saturday’s match at the national stadium.
A steward heard the individual in the Bulgaria section of the ground and they were ejected from Wembley and handed to the police, before being released with no further action.
“Yes, it is a concern,” Southgate said about the return game.
“It’s something that we’ve already planned.
“We’ve already planned what our schedule looks like and we’re going to discuss it with the players before we go, because we’re aware that there is history.” PHIL Hodgkinson has revealed some of the key details of his purchase of 75 per cent of Town.
The club chairman said there are many rumours about his personal wealth but that many of them are wide of the mark.
Asked how the purchase of 75pc of the club from former 100pc owner Hoyle was financed and