Q&A Historical action and how European governing body might react to latest incidents of racism
Q After the awful events in Sofia, what happens next? A Bulgaria, who were already serving a partial stadium ban for racism by fans in June, are facing a minimum points deduction and possible tournament exclusion after being charged with “racist behaviour (chants, Nazi salutes)” and “throwing of objects”.
Uefa’s control, ethics and disciplinary body has yet to decide on a date for a hearing. Greg Clarke, the Football Association chairman, said on Monday night that security staff from his organisation would gather witness statements, and Uefa would also look at these if submitted. The FA faces charges for providing an “insufficient number of travelling stewards”. Q How bad is Bulgaria’s record on racism? A Among the worst in global football. Monday’s match was played in a partially closed stadium following Bulgaria fans’ racist behaviour at games against Kosovo and the Czech Republic in June, while, in August, Bulgarian club sides PFC Levski Sofia and PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv were punished by Uefa for racism during Europa League games. In 2013, the nation was forced to play a World Cup qualifier behind closed doors and fined £23,685 after fans were alleged to have made monkey chants at Denmark defender Patrick Mtiliga. Two years earlier, Bulgaria were fined £35,000 after fans racially abused England’s Ashley Young, Ashley Cole and Theo Walcott during a Euro 2012 qualifier in Sofia. Q How could a potential ban impact the home nations? A England may be opposed to an immediate tournament exclusion for Bulgaria as Gareth Southgate’s side have already played them twice, and won handsomely.
An overall plus-10 goal difference racked up by home and away victories could play a major part in deciding England’s seeding for the tournament draw.
Any expulsion could either mean the nations remaining in the group would automatically be granted 3-0 home and away victories, or, worse, that the points and goal difference would be wiped altogether.
Scotland will also monitor events as they are in “Path C” of a Uefa Nations play-off that could pit them against Bulgaria, Israel or Romania.
Q
What sort of punishments have been issued in the past? A Montenegro were ordered to play a match behind closed doors and fined €20,000 (£17,300) after their supporters were found guilty of racially abusing England players during a qualifier in March. Danny Rose, one of the targets of the abuse, said he did not think the punishment was harsh enough, which was a sentiment echoed by anti-discrimination charity Kick It Out.