Liverpool youngster Rhian Brewster has blasted the “embarrassing” punishment handed out to Bulgaria following racism towards England players.
UEFA have ordered Bulgaria to play two matches behind closed doors – one suspended for two years – for their fans' racist abuse in the Euro 2020 qualifier in Sofia earlier this month.
Amid ugly scenes watched by millions on television, England's 6-0 win was stopped twice by the referee Ivan Bebek and could have been abandoned had Gareth Southgate's side not chosen to play on.
Bulgaria have also been fined £65,000 (75,000 euros) by the European governing body.
Read every word Pep Lijnders had to say in his press conference HERE
For comparison, UEFA fined former Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner almost £80,000 (100,00 euros) for exposing the waistband of his underwear to show a logo of a bookmaker after scoring for Denmark at Euro 2012.
And Liverpool striker Brewster – who has previously spoken about being racially abused by both rivals fans and players – took to Twitter to reveal his disgust at the censure.
“Another embarrassing Verdict today,” he posted. “Two Games behind closed doors for Nazi salutes and racism. The world needs to wake up. #KickitOut”
In a statement, the Football Association said: "While we acknowledge UEFA's ruling today, a huge challenge still exists around racism and discrimination in society.
"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 programmes in finding a long-term solution.
"That has to be the way forward to help address the root cause of such disgusting behaviour."
UEFA have also fined England £4,314 (5,000 euros) for their fans booing the Bulgarian national them, while the hosts were fined £8,629 (10,000 euros) for the same offence.
