UEFA is facing pressure to punish "abhorrent" racist abuse aimed at England's footballers during their Euro 2020 qualifier in Bulgaria.

The match in the capital Sofia was temporarily halted twice after England players were subjected to monkey chants and Nazi salutes by home fans.

FA chairman Greg Clarke called it "one of the most appalling nights" he has ever seen in football, with English football's governing body urging UEFA to investigate the "abhorrent racist chanting" as a matter of urgency.

England star Raheem Sterling said he felt sorry for the Bulgarian players "to be represented by such idiots in their stadium", while manager Gareth Southgate called the situation "unacceptable".

However, the Three Lions boss said he felt his players made a "major statement" on and off the pitch by refusing to let the racists win.


Image: Harry Kane speaks with the referees during a temporary interruption

"Sadly, my players, because of their experiences in our own country, are hardened to racism," Southgate said.

"I don't know what that says about our society but that's the reality, so that actually saddens me that when I speak to them about it, they are absolutely hardened to it.

"They also know they've made a statement and they want the focus to be on the football."

Tyrone Mings, who was making his England debut, revealed he heard racist abuse in the warm-up ahead of the game.

Image: Tyrone Mings was subjected to racist abuse

"I think everybody heard the chants, but we stood together and we made certain decisions," he said.

Bulgaria's captain Ivelin Popov was seen remonstrating with home supporters at half time, prompting England's Marcus Rashford to praise him on Twitter

He wrote: "Also been told what the Bulgaria captain did at half-time. To stand alone and do the right thing takes courage and acts like that shouldn't go unnoticed. #NoTo Racism."

However Bulgaria head coach Krasimir Balakov claimed that conversation was more likely to be about his side's poor display and that he himself had not heard any racism during the match.

Bulgaria head coach Krasimir Balakov says he did not hear any racist chanting during Monday's match against England

"I was concentrated on the game," Balakov said.

"I didn't actually hear anything but I just talked to the English press downstairs and I told them that if this is proven to be true, then we have to be ashamed and we have to apologise for it.

"But, once again, first it has to be proven to be true."

Balakov had claimed ahead of the game that England had a bigger problem with racism than his country did, despite the stadium already being partly being closed due to a previous UEFA sanction for "racist behaviour".

Anti-racism group Kick it Out has urged UEFA to take strong action, saying the governing body's current sanctions are "not fit for purpose".

Image: Bulgarian fans show their disdain towards UEFA's anti-racism campaign

"We are sickened by the disgusting racist abuse directed at England men's team by Bulgaria supporters - including TV footage which appeared to show Nazi salutes and monkey noises," it said.

The group said it was demanded tougher punishments including point deductions and tournament expulsions for racist abuse, saying: ""There can be no more pitiful fines or short stadium bans."

It is understood two of the three stages of the UEFA anti-racism protocol were implemented during the match, which meant it was at risk of being abandoned.

Before the match in Sofia, it was confirmed that a British man has died after being found in a "helpless condition" in the city centre on Monday morning.

Image: Marcus Rashford with Southgate after being substituted

England needed Montenegro to hold Kosovo to a draw or beat them in order to qualify with a win, but Kosovo won 2-0.

But England's 6-0 scoreline will strengthen their position at the top of their group should it come down to goal difference.

The side's next match is in a month's time, when they face Montenegro on 14 November at Wembley Stadium.