Bulgaria national team head coach Krasimir Balakov has apologised to England for fans’ behavior during Euro 2020 Qualifiers match in Sofia.
UEFA have charged Bulgaria for racist behaviour (chants, Nazi salutes), throwing of objects, disruption of national anthem and replays on giant screen.
Balakov, who has denied racial abuse during the press conference after the match, has become an object of mass criticism from all over the world.
Several English stars, including Raheem Sterling and Trent Alexander-Arnold have publicly criticised Balakov, while Jordan Henderson demanded apologies from the coach.
Earlier today, Balakov has made an official statement (via Daily Mail): "My comments prior to the game versus England – that Bulgaria did not have trouble with racism – were based on the fact that the local championship has not seen such an issue on a large scale."
"There might have been isolated cases, but it is definitely not something that you see at the stadium.
"The majority of football fans do not participate in such chants and I believe this also to have been the case in the game against England.
"I would like to state one thing very clearly – since there have been reported cases of racial discrimination at the stadium in Sofia I, as Bulgaria national team head coach, would like to offer my sincere apologies to the English footballers and to anyone who felt offended."
Earlier, Bulgarian Football Union president Borislav Mihaylov has resigned. After the incident Mihaylov got a call from Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, threatening him to stop their financial support if he doesn’t resign.
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