Bulgaria icon Hristo Stoichkov sobs on TV over fans’ racism shame – despite his abuse of black France star at Euro 96

THIS is the moment Bulgaria legend Hristo Stoichkov breaks down in tears as he calls for fans to be banned over their England racism shame – despite his own alleged abuse of a black France star at Euro 96.

England’s Euro 2020 qualifier was stopped twice as Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Tyrone Mings were subjected to Nazi salutes and monkey noises.

Four Bulgaria fans have since been arrested, the president of the Bulgarian FA has resigned and their headquarters has been raided by police.

Bulgaria manager Krasimir Balakov has finally apologised for the abuse despite initially claiming he had not heard any during the Three Lions’ 6-0 win.

And Uefa have charged Bulgaria with racist behaviour, throwing objects and disrupting the national anthem.

But perhaps no image since has been as powerful as that of 53-year-old Stoichkov, Bulgaria’s greatest ever player, crying his eyes out at the shame brought upon his country.

And Stoichkov, who led Bulgaria to the semi-finals of the 1994 World Cup and won the Ballon d’Or that year, used his emotional address to call for tougher actions on racists.

He said: “Of course, there need to be tougher punishments. Fans should not be allowed into stadiums, or even heavier punishments.

“Like in England, there are five year bans from entering a stadium… people shouldn’t suffer like this [victims of racial abuse].”

Stoichkov was asked how to tackle racism during a TV appearance on TUDN – an American Spanish-language sports channel.

It is unclear exactly what level of punishment Stoichkov is demanding.

Stoichkov, who was also part of Johan Cruyff’s ‘Dream Team’ Barcelona side that won the Spanish league four years in a row, is no stranger to controversy, though.

He was accused of racially abusing former France and Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly during Euro 96.

Desailly said at the time: “In the first 20 minutes he made comments about me and other African players.

“I did not appreciate the racist comments which are not suitable for a player like him.

“He abused me and by saying those things he has gone down so much in my estimation.”

And Stoichkov, who was once given a two-month ban for stamping on a ref’s foot, said: “It is normal for that to happen all over the pitch.

“If you took a microphone round every player, they would all be saying things like that.”

No action was taken against Stoichkov.

The English FA have offered counselling to players targeted by the racists in Sofia on Monday night.

Every player part of the England squad – whose boss Gareth Southgate was told to “f*** off” by a Bulgarian cameraman after his post-match press conference – has been contacted by the FA and offered professional support after the disgraceful scenes, according to The Times.

The planned support will be available for those who request it when the squad meet up for their final qualification clashes next month.