UEFA Must Take “Massive Stance” On Racism Says Michael Bridges

Optus Sport expert Michael Bridges has condemned the racist chanting of Bulgarian fans and called upon UEFA to take action.

Speaking on The English Football Show, Bridges labelled the behaviour of sections of the Bulgarian supporters “disgraceful” during their 6-0 thumping against England.

Racially motivated chants were heard directed at England players, while vision showed fans making Nazi salutes and obscene gestures, despite a stadium ban already being in place.

“They didn’t have the full stadium open and yet again this sort of thing happens,” Bridges said.

Bridges urged the European football governing body to “take this to the next level” after the match referee stopped the game twice as part of UEFA’s ‘three strike policy.’

“I think they (Bulgaria) should either have their next few games behind closed doors or be banned from the next major tournaments,” Bridges said.

On the pitch, Bridges hailed the Three Lions’ “massive” performance, as goals to Marcus Rashford, Harry Kane and braces for Raheem Sterling and Ross Barkley brought Gareth Southgate the perfect response after his side’s 2-1 loss to the Czech Republic.

A former Sunderland striker, Bridges also weighed in on the impending managerial change at the Black Cats after Jack Ross was relieved of his duties at the Stadium of Light.

Bridges backed fellow ex-player Kevin Phillips to take the job after he publicly put his name in the hat, having previously been in assistant roles at Derby County and Stoke City.

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