England's Euro 2020 qualifier in Bulgaria marred by racist abuse - in pictures

Match at the Vasil Levski National Stadium in Sofia halted twice because of racist abuse aimed at England players

Bulgaria's Georgi Terziev, left, and England's Callum Wilson vie for the ball during their UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifying match at the Vasil Levski National Stadium in Sofia. Press Association

England manager Gareth Southgate talks to Marcus Rashford at the Vasil Levski National Stadium. AFP

The match between Bulgaria and England had to be halted twice due to crowd behaviour at the Vasil Levski National Stadium in Sofia. Press Association

Uefa launched an investigation into crowd behaviour during the Euro 2020 Group A qualification match between Bulgaria and England at the Vasil Levski National Stadium in Sofia. AFP

Harry Kane, center, celebrates after scoring his side's sixth goal during the Euro 2020 Group A qualifying match against Bulgaria. AP

Crowd behaviour became the focal point of during Bulgaria-England match at the Vasil Levski National Stadium. Press Association

Ross Barkley celebrates after scoring against Bulgaria in Sofia. EPA

England's Ross Barkley scores his team's third goal at the Vasil Levski National Stadium. Reuters

Raheem Sterling, right, with Harry Kane and Jordan Henderson at the Vassil Levski Stadium. EPA

Bozhidar Kraev of Bulgaria fights for ball with Harry Winks during their Euro 2020 Qualifying Group A match. EPA

Tyrone Mings of England during the UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifier against Bulgaria . Getty

Racist abuse marred the Euro 2020 qualifier between Bulgaria and England with the match in Sofia twice halted by the referee.

English Football Association chairman Greg Clarke, present at the Levski Stadium, said it was "probably one of the most appalling nights I have seen in football".

England manager Gareth Southgate informed the Uefa delegate after the first incidents with monkey chants aimed at England's three black players: Tyrone Mings, Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford.

A public announcement was made, with play stopped minutes before half time.

The abuse continuedin the second half with the Group A match, which England went on to win 6-0, again temporarily suspended by the referee under a three-step Uefa protocol for tackling racist abuse, which also included supporters making Nazi salutes.

In the match, England led 2-0 through early goals from Rashford and Ross Barkley. England quickly made it 3-0 with Barkley again on target before a second stoppage, with Croatian referee Ivan Bebek holding discussions with players and coaching staff from both sides.

Sterling then netted twice either side of half time before Harry Kane rounded off the scoring to take England to the brink of qualification.

Above is a photo gallery from the match in Sofia. To move on to the next image, click on the arrows, or if using a mobile device, simply swipe.