Bulgaria deny England racism allegations

The Bulgarian Football Federation have denied allegations that their fans racially abused England players during the two sides' Euro 2012 qualifier in Sofia last month.

Arsenal winger Theo Walcott and Manchester United midfielder Ashley Young were the targets of alleged chanting at the Vasil Levski Stadium.

England officials complained to the Bulgarian Federation after the match, but the head of the organisation is not convinced of the claims.

"Do they see themselves as blessed?" Borislav Mihaylov asked reporters. "It is their fifth UEFA claim for racism. We will prepare our defence well because we are convinced there was no such thing."

Mihaylov added that Bulgaria will try to postpone the hearing on October 13 to allow them to prepare their defence.