Blues manager Paul Lambert believes UEFA are going to have to introduce tougher sanctions in order to prevent repeats of Monday’s events in Bulgaria.

England players, including ex-Town defender Tyrone Mings, who was making his international debut, were subjected to racist abuse during their 6-0 thrashing of the Bulgarians in Sofia with the game twice interrupted in the first half and with the Three Lions coming close to walking off.

Lambert, capped 40 times by Scotland, scoring once, was asked his thoughts on the events: “The same as everybody else's views — horrific really, horrendous that that’s has taken place.

“To be fair, the England lads and the team, and [manager] Gareth [Southgate] himself, handled the whole thing brilliantly, and, like everybody else, I thought it was disgusting, the whole thing in the modern-day game, it wasn't nice at all to hear.

“But I thought England, Gareth and the team [handled it brilliantly]. In a way I'm glad the team stayed on because they played every so well anyway, the guys were excellent, and I'm glad they stayed on and did a job on them.”

What does he believe is the long-term answer? “They're going to have to sort it. It can't keep going on. I think it's been well documented.

"UEFA has to have harder sanctions because it can't keep going on, it's not right for anybody.”

Photo: TWTD

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