Boris Johnson condemns 'vile' racist abuse of England players in Bulgaria

Boris Johnson has condemned the racism at England's match against Bulgaria as "vile" and called on Uefa to conduct a swift investigation with tough penalties to follow, Downing Street said.

Monday evening's World Cup qualifier was halted twice due to monkey chants and Nazi salutes coming from a section of the home support, prompting FA chairman Greg Clarke to describe it as "one of the most appalling nights I've seen in football."

Amid the fallout, which has seen Bulgaria's prime minister call for the nation's FA chief to resign, Uefa confirmed possible disciplinary proceedings will be announced when match officials send their full reports of the game.

Anti-racism organisation Kick It Out has criticised European football's governing body for failing to abandon the match and prime minister Johnson says it is time to "face up to facts."

Asked about Boris Johnson's response to the scenes in Bulgaria, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "The racism we saw and heard last night was vile and has no place in football or anywhere else.

"The England players and management showed tremendous dignity and the Prime Minister commends the players who were targeted with this despicable abuse for their response.

"Uefa need to face up to facts. This stain on football is not being adequately dealt with. Racism and discrimination must be driven out of football once and for all.

"We support the FA's calls for an urgent investigation with tough penalties to follow. We are writing to Uefa today to ask for this to be conducted swiftly."

Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott tweeted: "Disgusted to hear about the racist abuse and Nazi salutes during yesterdays Euro football match. Racism has no place in any part of our society."