Bulgaria fined by Uefa after racist chanting against England

Football's determination to stamp out racism has come under further scrutiny after the Bulgarian Football Union was fined €40,000 (£34,250) by Uefa for its fans' abuse of England players during September's Euro 2012 qualifier in Sofia. Uefa's control and disciplinary body had the power to order Bulgaria to play fixtures behind closed doors but imposed the fine after lengthy deliberation. The decision by European football's governing body came on the day Fifa's president, Sepp Blatter, apologised for suggesting racism on the pitch is not an issue and can be settled with a handshake. During England's 3-0 win in Bulgaria sections of the home support directed monkey chants primarily at Ashley Young, but also at Ashley Cole and Theo Walcott. The Football Association issued a formal complaint to the BFU and the Uefa delegate at the game immediately after the final whistle, and Bulgaria were charged with "discriminatory behaviour relating to chanting by home supporters". Further charges were brought relating to the setting off and throwing of fireworks during the fixture. The Bulgaria manager at the time, the former Germany captain Lothar Matthäus, issued a public apology after the game for the conduct of the minority of the country's support, describing the abuse as "pitiful". Walcott and England's captain that night, John Terry, said they had been aware of the chants as they played out the win. "It was very clear, but I ignored it," Walcott said. "But that's me." The BFU can appeal against the verdict within three days of the dispatch of the reasoned decision. Uefa appears, as yet, to have ignored chants from sections of the England support of "Where's your caravan?" directed at the locals that night.