Boris Johnson praises ‘dignity’ of England players after ‘vile’ racist abuse

Boris Johnson has commended the England team for their “tremendous dignity” in dealing with the “vile” racist abuse during their match against Bulgaria as he called on Uefa to conduct a swift investigation resulting in tough penalties.

The Prime Minister said European football’s governing body must “face up to facts” in order to root out the blight on the sport which is not being adequately targeted.

The team and backroom staff were subjected to abuse including racist chanting at various stages of the Euro 2020 qualifier in Sofia on Monday night, as England responded with a 6-0 win.

Sanctions from Uefa seem sure to follow, and Bulgarian prime minister Boyko Borissov is now reported to have told the president of the Bulgarian Football Union, Borislav Mihaylov, to stand down.

But Downing Street made it clear that Uefa must step up its efforts to drive out racism from the sport.

Asked about the abuse, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “The racism we saw and heard last night was vile and has no place in football or anywhere else.

Bulgaria v England – UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifying – Group A – Vasil Levski National Stadium
Bulgaria v England – UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifying – Group A – Vasil Levski National Stadium

“The England players and management showed tremendous dignity and the Prime Minister commends the players who were targeted with this despicable abuse for their response.

“Uefa need to face up to facts. This stain on football is not being adequately dealt with. Racism and discrimination must be driven out of football once and for all.

“We support the FA’s calls for an urgent investigation with tough penalties to follow. We are writing to Uefa today to ask for this to be conducted swiftly.”

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