English anti-racism group Kick It Out has taken aim at UEFA after Bulgaria was sanctioned for racist behaviour at a match against England earlier this month.

Bulgaria was punished after fans made Nazi salutes and participated in racist chanting, including monkey noises directed at England's black players, in the Euro 2020 qualification match in Sofia on October 14.

The match was stopped twice in the first half, in line with UEFA's anti-racism policy, but England opted to continue the match, recording an emphatic 6-0 victory.

The Vasil Levski national stadium was already partially closed for that match due to previous racist incidents in June.

As well as being ordered to play two matches behind closed doors — one of which is suspended for two years — the Bulgarian FA will have to pay a fine of 75,000 euros ($121,470).

The punishment has been heavily criticised by anti-discrimination groups though, who said it was far too lenient.

UEFA had the option to remove Bulgaria from the Euro 2020 playoffs in March.

A section of Bulgaria fans raised their arms in what appeared to be Nazi salutes. ( Reuters: Carl Recine )

Anti-racism organisation Kick It Out said it was "disheartened, but not surprised" by the ruling and urged UEFA to rethink a process it said produced sanctions which did not work.

"In our view, they have missed an opportunity to send an uncompromising message on racism and discrimination," the London-based body said.

"The current sanctions, however 'tough' UEFA think they may be, are clearly not working and leave victims with little faith in their ability to prevent abusive behaviour."

Those comments were echoed by Fare, UEFA's anti-racism partner.

"We are disappointed that Bulgaria will not be expelled from the Euro 2020 qualifying competition given their previous record, and obvious inability to deal with the problems they face," the group said.

'Disgusting behaviour'

The English Football Association did not directly criticise UEFA in a statement, but said racism still presents a "huge challenge".

"While we acknowledge UEFA's ruling today, a huge challenge still exists around racism and discrimination in society," the FA said.

"Football has its part to play, and must do so, but it is for all to recognise the seriousness of the problem.

"While those responsible for such deplorable behaviour at home or abroad need to be held to account, we should not lose sight of the importance of education programs in finding a long-term solution.

"That has to be the way forward to help address the root cause of such disgusting behaviour."

Liverpool and England under-21 striker Rhian Brewster, who claimed he was racially abused in a UEFA Youth League game in December 2017 but no action was taken due to a lack of evidence, said the verdict was "embarrassing".

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England has been fined 5,000 euros after their fans booed the Bulgarian national anthem before the game. Bulgaria was fined 10,000 euros for booing the English national anthem.

Although the England game was the third time Bulgaria fans were guilty of racist behaviour this year, the previous incidents at back-to-back Euro 2020 qualifiers in June were judged together in July.

UEFA's disciplinary code states a team will be punished for a second offence with, "one match played behind closed doors and a fine of 50,000 euros".

A third offence, "is punished with more than one match behind closed doors, a stadium closure, the forfeiting of a match, the deduction of points and/or disqualification from the competition", according to UEFA rules.

England manager Gareth Southgate chose against taking his players off the pitch after consulting with the referee. ( AP: Vadim Ghirda )

The English players union, the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA), suggested a lack of ethnic representation among the 10 men on the UEFA disciplinary committee, "will influence the way in which racist incidents are dealt with".

"Diversity on the pitch must be reflected at every level of the game, not just on the field of play," the PFA said.

The verdict could be challenged at UEFA's appeals committee by independent disciplinary inspectors who worked on the case if they decide it is too lenient.

Fare said it, "will be in touch with UEFA to explore options and maintain that Bulgaria and others in the same situation fundamentally reappraise how they deal with racism".

Bulgaria's next home game, which will be played behind closed doors, is against the Czech Republic on November 17.

Turmoil in Bulgaria since the game led to federation president Borislav Mihailov and national team coach Krasimir Balakov — players on the 1994 World Cup semi-final team — being ousted.

ABC/AP