Racist abuse blights Bulgaria-England Euro 2020 qualifier

Soccer Football - Euro 2020 Qualifier - Group A - Bulgaria v England - Vasil Levski National Stadium, Sofia, Bulgaria - October 14, 2019 England manager Gareth Southgate speaks to referee Ivan Bebek as the match is stopped during the first half Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine

SOFIA (Reuters) - The Euro 2020 qualifier between Bulgaria and England was twice halted by the match referee in the first half on Monday under a three-step UEFA protocol to tackle racist abuse from the crowd.

Britain's Sky Sports television said racist chanting was heard from the stands and reported by England players to manager Gareth Southgate, with the referee informed and a public announcement made while play was stopped.