We should be writing about a dominant England performance. Excellent team goals, team spirit and resilience from a defeat to the Czech Republic. Unfortunately this is not the case.<\/h2>\n

In life, hindsight takes precedence above logic. We can look back, analyse and evaluate our actions in certain situations, and make a judgement then rather than in the moment. Unquestionably it is the easier route.<\/p>\n

I hope this will ring true for the Bulgarian “fans” who decide on totally logic-defying actions in the racist chants, gestures and behaviour they used last night in the 6-0 defeat to England, which not only illuminated what was already the most clear and obvious issue, but worsened it.<\/p>\n

Now let’s make this clear. Racism is a huge issue not only in that stadium, that city, Bulgaria as a whole. But in our civilisation. It was only a focal point on Monday which brings more people out talking about the issue.<\/p>\n

Where best to begin? Last week perhaps, as England prepared to visit the Vasil Levski Stadium.<\/p>\n

Bulgaria vs England, just your typical European Qualifier. The difference being the havoc was forewarned. Gareth Southgate himself even prepared for the protocol and the potential of racism was discussed in his previous press conference. Although he handled it magnanimously,<\/p>\n

“Well I say the same as I said the other night in Prague,” said Southgate.<\/p>\n

“We are guests in another country and I have always said we have as many issues in own country to resolve than anywhere else.<\/p>\n

“Everyone wants us to talk about football, for the players and both teams the same.<\/p>\n

“We had to prepare our players for what happened in Montenegro, so that was a process that we needed to go through before our next away fixtures.<\/p>\n

“Outside of that, we trust the authorities to make sure everything is in place and everybody involved in the game from both countries is wanting to talk about the match.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Captain Harry Kane also had his say:<\/p>\n

“The most important thing is we are all fully focused on the game tomorrow night, getting the three points and putting us in a great position,”<\/p>\n

“We had a meeting at the start of the week on things that could happen but they might not happen. There’s obviously a protocol in place that UEFA have set.<\/p>\n

“From my point of view and the players’ point of view, we are here to do a job on the football pitch and hopefully we don’t have to cross that bridge.<\/p>\n

“We will see what happens but our full focus is on the game.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

This pre-match prophecy had already caused the anxiety and angst before the game, with the Bulgarian manager Krasimir Balakov suggesting Bulgaria “had no such issues”, although several sections of the crowd had been shut out due to racist abuse to Czech and Kosovan international sides. Didn’t seem to add up, but in his defence the racism he was talking about had not even happened yet.<\/p>\n

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Mmmmh … Not sure about this one chief https:\/\/t.co\/Jyjr6vFtA8<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Raheem Sterling (@sterling7) October 14, 2019<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n