England made a big statement against racist abuse, says Southgate

Soccer Football - Euro 2020 Qualifier - Group A - Bulgaria v England - Vasil Levski National Stadium, Sofia, Bulgaria - October 14, 2019 England manager Gareth Southgate after the match Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine

SOFIA (Reuters) - England made a significant statement against racism by beating Bulgaria 6-0 in a Euro 2020 qualifier that was twice halted by the referee after abuse of the visiting players, manager Gareth Southgate said on Monday.

The match in Sofia was a high-profile implementation of a three-step protocol from European soccer's governing body UEFA designed to tackle racist abuse from the crowd.