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Marcus Rashford praises Bulgaria captain Ivelin Popov over his ‘courageous’ act at half-time


Marcus Rashford applauded Ivelin Popov’s actions during England’s win over Bulgaria

Marcus Rashford has praised the actions of Bulgaria captain Ivelin Popov in the aftermath of England’s 6-0 win which was marred by racist chanting from fans in Sofia.

Goals from Rashford, Ross Barkley (2), Raheem Sterling (2) and Harry Kane meant England tightened their grip on top spot in Group A, but the victory was completely overshadowed by unsavoury scenes on a shameful night for football.

The Euro 2020 qualifier appeared in jeopardy as referee Ivan Bebek twice halted play, with the PA announcer telling supporters that the game would be abandoned if the abuse carried on.

England debutant Tyrone Mings and Sterling were both targeted at the Vasil Levski Stadium and Bulgaria skipper Popov made an appeal to fans to put an end to their chanting.

Instead of leading Bulgaria’s team talk in the dressing room, the midfielder was busy pleading with supporters out on the terraces for much of the half-time break.

Southgate was involved in lengthy discussions with officials in the first half (Picture: Getty)

Rashford, who broke the deadlock with a sensational strike in the 7th minute, thanked travelling England fans for their support and applauded Popov’s actions at the break.

‘Not an easy situation to play in and not one which should be happening in 2019,’ Rashford said.

‘Proud we rose above it to take three points but this needs stamping out.

‘Thankful to the brilliant England support.

‘You got behind us in the most meaningful way possible tonight and we are all very grateful. Have a safe journey home and take care.

‘Also been told what the Bulgaria captain did at half-time. To stand alone and do the right thing takes courage and acts like that shouldn’t go unnoticed. #NoToRacism’

Sterling tweeted: ‘Feeling sorry for Bulgaria to be represented by such idiots in their stadium.

‘Anyway.. 6-0 and we go back home, at least we did our job.

‘Safe travel to our fans, u guys did well.’

Speaking after the final whistle, Southgate hit out at the ‘unacceptable’ abuse aimed at his England players.

‘I have to say that the officials were onto everything very quickly,’ the England manager told ITV Sport.

‘We reported everything immediately when we heard things. We had constant communication with the officials and referee and I was in contact with the players during the first half in particular and then again at half-time.

‘It’s an unacceptable situation. I think we’ve made two statements really by winning the game but also we have raised the awareness of everybody to the situation.

‘The game was stopped twice and I know for some people that won’t be enough.

‘But I think we as a group were on board with that process.’

Southgate condemned the racist chanting after England’s victory (Picture: Getty)

An FA statement said: ‘The FA can confirm that England players were subjected to abhorrent racist chanting while playing in the EURO 2020 qualifier against Bulgaria.

‘This is unacceptable at any level of the game and our immediate focus is supporting the players and staff involved.

‘As we are sadly aware, this is not the first time our players have been subjected to this level of abuse and there is no place for this kind of behaviour in society, let alone in football.

‘We will be asking UEFA to investigate as a matter of urgency.’

MORE: Ian Wright rips into UEFA after England players are subjected to racist abuse in Bulgaria





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