Bulgaria to face UEFA hearing over racist chants

UEFA said on Wednesday that it has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Bulgarian Football Union (BFS) after a Euro 2012 qualifier in Sofia when home fans abused England's black players with racist chants. "The BFS is to face charges of discriminatory behaviour relating to chanting by home supporters during the Group G game in Sofia on 2 September as well as charges relating to the setting-off and throwing of fireworks," said UEFA in a statement on its website. The case will be heard by the European football governing body's disciplinary committee on October 13. Several of England's black players were subjected to monkey noises throughout their team's 3-0 win at the Vasil Levski Stadium, prompting English officials to complain to their Bulgarian counterparts after the match. Bulgaria coach Lothar Matthaus was dismayed by the abuse suffered by Chris Smalling, Ashley Cole, Theo Walcott and Ashley Young and apologised after the match. England's Wayne Rooney and Theo Walcott said they had been aware of the abuse. "As players, we could hear it on the pitch," Rooney said. "It has been going on for years and it is not right. It needs to stop and hopefully something can be done about it."