Today’s back pages: Lions led by donkeys - ‘bottlers’ Uefa fail to condemn racists

The racial abuse of England players in Bulgaria continues to make front and back page news in the United Kingdom.

European football’s governing body Uefa has handed the Bulgarian Football Union four charges for incidents during Monday’s Euro 2020 qualifier. One of the charges is for “racist behaviour”, which includes chants and Nazi salutes.

The English Football Association (FA) has also been charged with disrupting the national anthem and insufficient number of travelling stewards.

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Uefa charges against Bulgarian Football Union:

• Racist behaviour (chants, Nazi salutes)
• Throwing of objects
• Disruption of national anthem
• Replays on giant screen

Charges against English FA:

• Disruption of national anthem
• Insufficient number of travelling stewards

The Daily Mirror reports that England boss Gareth Southgate has urged Uefa to prove that they mean business and to hit Bulgaria hard with proper punishment following the night of shame in Sofia.

The Daily Star adds that Southgate is furious with “bottlers” Uefa for failing to condemn the racists. It’s “lions led by donkeys” says the Daily Express.

Southgate wants others to step up in the fight against racism, he said: “I really think other people have got to deal with that. With respect, the amount I’ve had to deal with is remarkable. And other people are in positions to be able to affect that. I think clearly it has got to be dealt with differently.”