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By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer in Prague
England director Gareth Southgate says that he understands the Bulgarian soccer authorities fury at suggestions racism could overshadow Mondays Euro 2020 qualifier.
Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham said on Wednesday Englands players would be prepared to walk off when they suffered abuse that was similar that directed during Marchs qualifier in Montenegro.
Southgate, speaking in Prague before Fridays meeting with the Czech Republic, has held a meeting with his players explaining to handling such incidents the official Uefa protocol – but Englands concerns prompted an angry response from BFU president Borislav Mihaylov.
In a letter to Uefa, he called Englands remarksthe unjust branding of local spectators as people likely to discriminatory behaviour.
Mondays game against Bulgaria is going to be played with 5,000 of the 46,000 seats to be left vacant racist behaviour by Bulgaria enthusiasts against Kosovo and the Czech Republic in June, at a stadium that is closed, some thing Mihaylov doesnt address in his letter.
However, Southgate stated:I can totally understand why the Bulgarian president feels like he does because we have only been reacting honestly to questions we have been requested.
That was around Bulgaria in whatever manner it has been relayed and how its been pitched might appear provocative, or we are the folks laying the subject on the table.
Therefore, if I had been him, and that I was only reading those quotes and not understanding the context of why what were mentioned and the responses, I would feel probably as he does.
We arent trying to create a scenario in any way, far from it. Were all hoping that over the next 72 hours were just speaking about two football games.
I think both countries would have a strong desire for this and I have to say again, we do not look at other nations in a way we do not glow a mirror independently.
Southgate stated:What occurred in Hartlepool a few weeks back was likely worse than things Ive heard or seen about in a number of different countries on the planet. So, I believe we have to be very careful in how we cover everything.
There were allegations of racist abuse at Dover Athletic in September and a game between Hartlepool United.
Uefa protocol decrees that in case of chanting the referee will request a statement to be broadcast in the stadium, and if he doesnt cease or she will take off the players, initially temporarily but indefinitely if necessary.
Southgate included:The most significant thing for me personally was that all of the players and all the staff understand that theyre supported, that were together on each problem moving forward and of course, necessarily, because we have suffered a scenario in Montenegrowe wanted to be more clear what could happen if something else happened in the future.
Were very clear on this. There is obviously the Uefa process and we will need to have faith in this procedure.
Recently, a match was stopped in Italy because of that and then whatever is hypothetical since we do not understand the situation that we will be in as a staff, or that Ill be a manager. But, were very clear in terms of each one of the employees, what would need to happen. We want the players to be able to focus on soccer. They want to be judged in their football and what Ive got to do is provide a secure and safe environment to perform .
England striker Raheem Sterling confessed the squad were not prepared but today there has to be faith in the system of Uefa.
He said:With the situation that occurred in Montenegro, I dont feel that as a team we were very prepared and knowing that there was a protocol set up.
We had a meeting as a group and Gareth sat us down and clarified Uefas protocol and today, as players, we have got to give Uefa an opportunity to take that obligation on board and deal with the circumstance. However, yes, I have full liberty in Uefa.
England have maximum points from their qualifiers and victory at Prague on Friday will confirm eligibility .
Read more here: http://www.olcayreklam.com/?p=26954