RAHEEM STERLING brilliantly responded to the Bulgarian racists who targeted him during England’s 6-0 win with an Ainsley Harriott GIF on his social media.
The Manchester City winger – who netted twice for the Three Lions in the Euro 2020 qualifier – was subject to vile abuse whenever he touched the ball.
He also called out Bulgaria’s coach Krasimir Balakov after he claimed that England has a bigger racism problem than his country.
Play had to be temporarily suspended twice in the first half at the Vasil Levski National Stadium after players were subject to “monkey” chants, while home fans were also spotted doing Nazi salutes.
Commenting on the disgusting noises, Arsenal fan Piers Morgan tweeted: “Brilliant goal by @sterling7 – no sweeter way to stuff it up these racist Bulgaria fans than for a black England player to destroy their team with his sublime talent.”
Sterling responded to his tweet with a GIF of British TV icon Ainsley Harriott, where the chef can be seen saying “delightful”.
He then referenced Balakov’s comments about England having a bigger racism problem by tweeting: “Mmmmh … Not sure about this one chief.”
Before adding in a separate tweet: “Feeling sorry for Bulgaria to be represented by such idiots in their stadium.
“Anyway.. 6-0 and we go back home, at least we did our job. Safe travel to our fans, u guys did well.”
Sterling’s England international team-mate Jesse Lingard – who wasn’t named in Gareth Southgate’s recent squad – also took to social media where he demanded action be taken.
He said: “Every one of those @England boys are stronger than those who chose to destroy the beautiful game! @UEFA must do something about this! #Shameful.”
Former England striker Ian Wright believes the vile chants will will finally force Uefa to wake up, as he claimed: “It’s a great day for tackling racism.”
Marcus Rashford was full of praise for Bulgaria captain Ivelin Popov, with the 31-year-old begging the home fans to cut out the abuse.
In tweets sent out by the Manchester United man, he said: “Not an easy situation to play in and not one which should be happening in 2019.
“Proud we rose above it to take three points but this needs stamping out.
“Thankful to the brilliant England support. You got behind us in the most meaningful way possible tonight and we are all very grateful. Have a safe journey home and take care.
“Also been told what the Bulgaria captain did at half-time. To stand alone and do the right thing takes courage and acts like that shouldn’t go unnoticed. #NoToRacism.”
While the FA said in a statement: “We can confirm that @England players were subjected to abhorrent racist chanting while playing in the #EURO2020 qualifier against Bulgaria.
“This is unacceptable at any level of the game and our immediate focus is supporting the players and staff involved.
“As we are sadly aware, this is not the first time our players have been subjected to this level of abuse and there is no place for this kind of behaviour in society, let alone in football. We will be asking @UEFA to investigate as a matter of urgency.”
