Bulgaria manager, Krasimir Balakov, has issued an apology to the England national football team after throngs of Bulgarian fans hurled racial abuse at English players during their Euro 2020 qualifying match in Sofia on Monday, 14 October.

The British lions soundly thumped their hosts 6-0 – handing Bulgaria their most crushing defeat on home soil – but the game will be largely remembered for the way the homeside supporters acted during the game.

The racist chants were aimed at the English team’s black players, and hand gestures that strongly resembled nazi salutes was experienced throughout, and resulted in a temporary halt to play.

Balakov commented that he had not heard any racist abuse at the time of the incidents, but sent an email to reporters in which he apologised for the fans’ behaviour.

He said: “I strongly condemn and reject racism as a norm of conduct that contradicts modern human relations … I, as a coach of the national team, apologise to the English footballers and all those who feel hurt.”

UEFA’s ruling body has launched disciplinary proceedings against Bulgaria following the racist behaviour.