Bulgarian Twin Walks Free After Being Mistakenly Charged With Racism At England Match

© AFP 2023 / NIKOLAY DOYCHINOVBulgarian fans react during the Euro 2020 Group A football qualification match between Bulgaria and England at the Vasil Levski National Stadium in Sofia on October 14, 2019
Bulgarian fans react during the Euro 2020 Group A football qualification match between Bulgaria and England at the Vasil Levski National Stadium in Sofia on October 14, 2019 - Sputnik International
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Bulgarian fans were accused of abusing some of England’s black players during their Euro2020 qualifying match in Sofia on 13 October. England won the match 6-0 but play was held up twice and supporters were urged to desist from racial chanting.

The only Bulgarian fan to be charged in connection with racist abuse at the game with England has been released after it emerged he had a twin brother who was also at the match.

The NOVA television channel reported that a hearing at Sofia City Court heard Tzvetan Gechev, 18, was not even at the match.

A facial forensic examination confirmed witness testimony that his twin brother Dimitar was at the match, rather than Tzvetan, who had denied being at the game.

© AFP 2023 / NIKOLAY DOYCHINOVEngland players in Sofia
Bulgarian Twin Walks Free After Being Mistakenly Charged With Racism At England Match - Sputnik International
England players in Sofia

Dimitar told police they had got the wrong twin but they did not believe him.

​Last week Dimitar said: "I went to the first district (police department) and said 'it was me’' But they deceived me and said that my brother admitted that he was at the match, that is not true."

Tsvetan, who was charged with aggravated racist behaviour, has a criminal record for causing bodily injury.

Sixteen people were arrested for Nazi salutes and racist chants during the England versus Bulgaria match but Tzvetan Gechev was the only one to be charged.

​After the match Bulgaria Football Association chief Borislav Mikhailov resigned after Prime Minister Boyko Borisov demanded he step down.

Four days later Bulgaria’s coach, Krasimir Balakov, resigned. He had been heavily criticised for saying he “didn’t hear anything” during the match.

Bulgaria are bottom of qualifying Group A, with no wins in seven games.

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