UEFA's three-step protocol can backfire against winning team

England’s game against Bulgaria in the EURO 2020 qualifiers, on October 15, was marred with controversy due to the racist acts of some of the Bulgarian fans. England won the game 6-0, but it was fraught with the danger of getting abandoned due to the three-step protocol of Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), which has been established to deal with incidents of a racist nature.

The first step - halt and announcement

If a referee becomes aware of serious racist behaviour, as a first step of the protocol, the referee should halt the game and an announcement should be made requesting the public to immediately refrain themselves from such racist behaviour. This was followed during the match and an announcement was made after stopping the game at the 28th minute. “This is an important stadium announcement, because of racist behaviour which is interfering with the game, the referee has indicated that he may have to suspend the match. Racism in football stadiums will not be tolerated. Please be in no doubt that the game will be suspended and may be abandoned if racist behaviour continues amongst spectators. Help everyone enjoy the game and say no to racism. Thank you,” said the announcement. 

Read: Euro 2020 Qualifiers, Bulgaria Vs England: Police Arrest 6 After Match

The second step - suspension

The game resumed but was halted again just before the half time since the England team manager Gareth Southgate complained about racist acts. As per the second step, teams return to their dressing rooms and the game gets for a reasonable period of time. England team decided to continue the game and they ended up winning it by a difference of six goals.

Read: Euro 2020 Qualifiers: UEFA Press Charges On England And Bulgaria

Third step leading to the abandonment

“If the racist conduct does not end after the game has then resumed, the referee shall definitively abandon the match as a last resort. The UEFA delegate will assist the referee, through the fourth official, in determining whether the racist behaviour has stopped and any decision to abandon the fixture will only be taken after all other possible measures have been implemented and the impact of abandoning the match on the security of the players and public has been assessed,” the third step of the protocol reads. 

The problem arises in the third step when a game is abandoned and the team ahead on the scorecard gets deprived of an assured win. The three-step protocol needs a relook so that the game doesn't get hampered due to a handful of racist fans.

Read: Boris Johnson Condemns Racism By Bulgarian Fans; Urges UEFA For Action

Read: Bulgaria Vs England: President Borislav Mihailov Resigns Over Racism