The manager claimed England's players are already preparing for racist abuse when they face Bulgaria in October
The Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) has hit back at Gareth Southgate after England's manager said his squad will need to "prepare" for racial abuse when they travel to Sofia in October.
England beat Bulgaria 4-0 on Saturday at Wembley, and play the return fixture on October 14.
However, Stadion Vasil Levski will be partially closed for the fixture because of the behaviour of some sections of the Bulgaria fans in June.
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Southgate stated that England's players – some of whom, including Raheem Sterling and Danny Rose, have been targeted already during Euro 2020 qualifying – were taking steps to be prepared for any abuse when they face Bulgaria.