The FA have complained to UEFA after racist abuse appeared to be directed towards Ashley Young by Bulgaria supporters during England’s Euro 2012 qualifying match in Sofia.
The FA reported the behaviour of a section of home supporters to the UEFA match delegate. England captain John Terry had not heard the abuse during the game and said it was an issue for the FA and UEFA to deal with.
But after England’s 3-0 win, Terry told Sky Sports News it was a shock to learn of it. He said: “You don’t expect that at all.”
He added: “It was a great spectacle for everyone to watch this evening.
“Let’s not let that spoil it.”
Bulgaria coach Lothar Matthaeus issued an apology after the match.
The former Germany playmaker said: “I didn’t hear it but it is pitiful for such things to happen. I would like to apologise on behalf of the federation.”
It is not the first time a black player from an English team has been targeted in Bulgaria.
The Croatian FA were fined £15,000 after Emile Heskey was racially abused by home fans during a 2010 World Cup qualifier while the Aston Villa striker was also targeted by racist abuse in Slovakia in 2002.
Shaun Wright-Phillips and Ashley Cole also suffered monkey chants during a recent friendly with Spain in Madrid.
And in 2005 CSKA Sofia supporters were heard aiming monkey noises at Liverpool’s French striker Djibril Cisse during a Champions League match.