England director Gareth Southgate fears his players might be exposed to greater racial abuse once they face Bulgaria at Sofia.
Earlier this season, while he was also exposed to abuse within a different Euro 2020 qualifier against Montenegro raheem Sterling was the target of alleged abuse by a Bulgaria fan during England’s 4-0 win in Wembley on Saturday.
Southgate fears the issue could last when England traveling to Sofia on October 14.
“Yes, it is a concern,” he explained. “It’s something which we have already planned.
“We’ve already planned our schedule looks like and we’re likely to discuss it with the players until we go, because we are aware that there is background there and we ought to be certain we’re all prepared for what might happen and how we would like to react.
“So, we’re likely to tackle that when we all get back together. We did not believe it was right to do it this month since it’s too much away in the games, but we have to hope… we’re not convinced that we will go there and nothing else will occur.”
The final trip to Bulgaria in September 2011 of england was also overshadowed by racism, together with Ashley Cole exposed to monkey chants, Theo Walcott and Ashley Young.
The Football Union (BFS) was only fined #34,000 by UEFA for”discriminatory” chanting and for its lighting and casting of fireworks.
The Vasil Levski National Stadium will be partially closed for the trip in October of England as punishment for its behaviour of the supporters in the loss from the Czech Republic in June.
Southgate also has concerns over the conduct of England fans on the upcoming trips to Bulgaria and the Czech Republic.
Violence involving a few England supporters marred the current Nations League finals in Portugal and Southgate has encouraged supporters when abroad, to behave.
“It ought to be a specified – regrettably it is not,” he said. “Sadly, we’re going to some location where people go, traveling anyhow for nights out from our nation.
“That which we do not have to see is behaviour that I’m afraid happens on our own high roads, therefore it is not something that is just England fans.
“I am afraid that it is a societal issue of individuals with alcohol unable to restrain themselves. But we certainly do not need to be taking that overseas and that being a representation of our nation.”
Read more here: http://www.fortoli.cn/?p=21034