Bulgaria investigated over racial taunts

The Bulgarian FA are facing action from UEFA following reports of racial abuse from fans in England’s visit last month.

The Three Lions claimed a 3-0 victory over Bulgaria in their Euro 2012 qualifier in Sofia on September 2, but the clash was overshadowed by ‘monkey’ taunts from the crowd directed at Ashley Young and Ashley Cole.

The Bulgarian Football Union is facing charges for the local fans’ alleged abuse, while UEFA will also scrutinise the flares thrown towards the pitch from home supporters.

UEFA’s Control and Disciplinary Body will hear the case on October 13.

The case comes after the English FA complained to European football’s governing body about the behaviour of the crowd in the home supporters section.

England have been on the end of racial taunting in the past, with Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips being the target of abuse during a friendly against Spain in Madrid seven years ago.