Despite all the warnings – and the rejection of any deep-rooted issues by senior Bulgarian figures – this was the toxic, disgusting night the rest of us feared.
Of all people, Tyrone Mings, on debut, appeared to be the first player to highlight abuse emanating from the stands to the officials, triggering the first stage of the UEFA three-step anti-racism protocol.
Two first-half stoppages and lengthy consultations with officials inevitably distracted minds from the task at hand, but England’s application in racking up an easy 6-0 win is a testament of their character.
The footballing challenge wasn’t great but the test of character was seismic – and this group passed it emphatically.
What more evidence do UEFA need to take stronger action?
The partial stadium bans and modest fines are not enough. The situation could hardly have been flagged to any greater extent and yet a significant section of Bulgaria’s support could not help themselves.
This was an appalling advert for the game’s ability to address a problem that is although fundamentally a wider societal issue, could be met with sterner punishments when the pattern of behaviour is so palpable as with Bulgaria.
An investigation will follow and the fall-out will last some time. The only good that can come of this is a tough sanction that breaks the present, depressing cycle.
Rashford and Barkley vindicate Southgate’s nod to experience
Southgate insisted Friday’s defeat to the Czech Republic was not a failure of his 4-3-3 system but more a question of personnel failing to apply themselves.
In seeking a response, the England head coach made five changes including Marcus Rashford and Ross Barkley replacing the more inexperienced duo of Jadon Sancho and Mason Mount.
Rashford has been out of form for Manchester United but he opened the scoring with a fiercely struck effort before Barkley netted twice, just as he did against Montenegro in March.
Harry Winks brought greater control to England’s midfield and with Mings resolute all night, Southgate will feel vindicated in his decision-making.
Sterling answers in the best way possible
Raheem Sterling was predictably also targeted by the moronic element of Bulgaria’s support and he answered in the best way possible with one assist and two goals in a performance much more in keeping with the best of his form for Manchester City and England.
Sterling was serenaded for much of the second half before his 73rd-minute substitution, with the visiting fans singing: “Who put the ball in the racists’ net? Raheem f*****g Sterling.”
Sterling has become a key figure in battling football’s racism problem and his defiance in difficult circumstances is a credit to him and hopefully some consolation on a night when the game was shamed by the hosts.
