New International Football thread

[mikesiva]

Hmmm. ...

Bulgarian fans subjecting Sterling to what could be racist abuse.

I hope the officials take this seriously.

Not just Sterling, and very much racist abuse.

Good to see the referee taking the players off the field while the PA tells the Bulgarian fans to behave.

Play has resumed with England leading 3-0.

Sterling makes it 4-0. There's something appropriate about that.

[Gingerfinch]

Sterling shutting the idiots up

4-0

[yuppie]

It looked like a group of Ultras have left the stadium?

There still seemed to be some noise for the England players.

[yuppie]

A stand to be taken?

Call the game off with the players in at half time?

[mikesiva]

A stand to be taken?

Call the game off with the players in at half time?

I agree.

I just saw pictures of Bulgarian fans giving Nazi salutes.

[yuppie]

Fifa the pitiful fines are not working.

Time for some serious action.

[yuppie]

Still appears to be abuse happening.

[Gingerfinch]

Sterling is currently Bulgaria's best defender!

[Gingerfinch]

Kane's passing has been Bergkamp esque tonight.

Well taken by Sterling.

[mikesiva]

Sterling shutting the idiots up

4-0

Sterling makes it 5-0!

[Gingerfinch]

Our man of the match tonight finally scores.

[Durhamfootman]

A stand to be taken?

Call the game off with the players in at half time?

I agree.

I just saw pictures of Bulgarian fans giving Nazi salutes.

and waving shirts saying 'no respect' next to a fifa logo

[Durhamfootman]

I have to say that was a pretty unpleasant game of football to watch.

ITV made the point that Nicklas Bendtner received a £100,000 fine from fifa during the Euro's in 2012 for showing his pants on telly with a bookies name emblazoned on them, yet this season Slovan Bratislava and Red Star Belgrade got fines from fifa for rascist behaviour totalling £50,000.

Also turns out that this protocol for dealing with rascist abuse has been around for 10 years, yet nobody had heard of it until a week or two ago

says it all really

[sussexpob]

You have to whole heartily salute the professionalism, bravery and maturity displayed by our lads last night in ignoring the utter garbage thrown at them from the stands, and answering back by raining goals in the Bulgaria net. Nothing gives a two finger salute back to Nazi salute's like 6 goals, 5 of which were scored by players of a non-white background. Inferior human beings.....? How stupid can you be!

I do however have a very large problem with the game continuing. While it seems Southgate and the boys discussed it with each other and decided to play on, I think the ref has to step in and take the teams off when it was clear after the first half the rubbish was continuing. I dont want to suggest Tyrone Mings felt any particular way, but lets just use him as an example.... first international game, if he fells horrified, upset and unsafe is he likely to be the one walking off knowing it could affect his career? I dont like players to be under any pressure to have to continue, the ref should make that decision for them. And in picking up the ball and walking off, the referee also makes damn well sure to send a message that we do not tolerate this, and every time you flick a nazi salute in the stands the only result is your team loses the game. Its time to start taking actions, and not talking. I cant help but feel last night was a missed opportunity.

I feel for Bulgaria too. I have found Bulgarians in my experience to be warm, hospitable and kind people who go out their way when you visit their country to make you feel at home. How sad a few d*ckheads can put a stain on a whole nation of people last night. And that (rightfully) the real fans probably now get to see the team punished.

But on that, I think UEFA have to throw the book at them. I want to see them kicked out the competition totally. If someone wants to throw up a salute or chant monkey noises, let those fans know in the future that all they are doing is hurting their side.

[yuppie]

im going to say, 50,000 fine and next 2 home games played behind close doors......