Bulgaria v England: Krasimir Balakov claims he did not hear racism

Ross Barkley and Raheem Sterling netted a brace apiece at the Vasil Levski National Stadium, complementing efforts from Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane.

But the 6-0 victory was overshadowed by deplorable racist behaviour, which forced the Group A match to be halted twice in the first half.

Asked about the racism at a ground already partly closed due to a previous UEFA sanction for "racist behaviour", manager Balakov said: "I was concentrated on the game.

"I didn't actually hear anything but I just talked to the English press downstairs and I told them that if this is proven to be true, then we have to be ashamed and we have to apologise for it.

"But, once again, first it has to be proven to be true."

The word "if" was repeatedly used by the Bulgaria head coach, who on the eve of the game said England had a bigger problem with racism than his country did.

"Let me tell you that even though you all know Bulgaria has had disciplinary measures against our union, those have not been because of racist chanting or ethnic hatred," he said.

"Those were referring to the fact that the stadium was partly closed because of the display of a banner for an organisation which is not forbidden by Bulgarian law and for a small third-party group of people who were chanting in the game against Kosovo.

"Either way, this all happened, this became a topic after we played at Wembley and it absolutely replaced football as the main topic, which I don't think is fair.

"But, of course, I think this is an extremely serious and sensitive topic.

"I have always had my firm stance against racism and if something is proven to be true, and there was this actual abuse, then again we have to say that this is a big shame."

One person who appeared come out with credit was Bulgaria captain Ivelin Popov, with Rashford thanking him on Twitter for showing "courage" in speaking to fans at half-time.

But Balakov believes that conversation was more likely to be about Bulgaria's poor display than a plea to halt racist abuse.

"I have to say I really have no idea about this," he added.

"If our captain spoke to the fans, then it's probably because the fans were unhappy with the way the team was performing.

"The whole topic in the build-up up to the game, the fans are emotional, but - you obviously, because you want me to say this and I have to say this - if something happened then I'm sure it was a small group of people who were really out of their minds because this is unacceptable."

What happens next?

What evidence will UEFA look at?

UEFA's control, ethics and disciplinary body will consider the reports from the match referee, its match delegate and from 'spotters' in the crowd working for the Fare network, which works to stamp out discrimination and promote inclusion in the European game. It will also look at evidence from other sources, such as television footage and CCTV. Football Association chairman Greg Clarke said on Monday night that security staff from his organisation would gather witness statements, and UEFA would also look at these if submitted.

What happens then?

The UEFA control, ethics and disciplinary body must decide whether to open an investigation based on the evidence presented to it. The body may wait until after the final group of Euro 2020 qualifiers of this international break is played on Tuesday night to look at evidence, but may move faster than that.

What punishment could Bulgaria face?

Under Article 14 of UEFA's disciplinary regulations which relate to racism, the punishment may be to order the Bulgarian Football Union to play one match behind closed doors and issue a 50,000 euros fine (which equates to just over £43,500). However, there is provision under Article 14, 'where circumstances of the case require it' to impose additional disciplinary measures such as ground closure for multiple matches, forfeiture of a match, points deduction or disqualification from the competition.

What sort of punishments have been issued in the past?

The three-step UEFA anti-racism protocols were launched in a resolution at UEFA Congress in London in 2013. No game has yet been abandoned under the protocol. No team at club or national team level has yet had points deducted or been disqualified over an offence of racism. One of the most severe punishments to date was the decision in July 2015 to impose a two-match stadium closure on the Croatian federation. That sanction was imposed because a Nazi swastika had been burned onto the pitch before a match against Italy in Split, which was already being played behind closed doors because of a previous offence. The Montenegrin association was ordered to play a match behind closed doors and fined 20,000 euros after its supporters were found guilty of racially abusing England players during a qualifier in March. Tottenham defender Danny Rose said he was "lost for words" at the leniency of the sanction and added: "It's a bit shocking but there's not much I can do now. I just hope I don't ever have to play there again and we just have to move on now." Players have faced more stiff punishments for racism-related offences - in August Ukrainian goalkeeper Kostyantyn Makhnovskyi, who was playing for Latvian side Ventspils, was banned for 10 matches.

Will UEFA comment before a charge?

It is unlikely but the pressure will be on for UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, or another senior figure within the organisation, to issue a statement of some kind.