Ex-Celtic star Simon Donnelly has hailed England's Raheem Sterling as a "role model" after his professional approach to the shameful racist abuse he received from Bulgaria fans last night.

The winger played through monkey chants and boos to score twice in his side's 6-0 mauling of the opposition in their Euro 2020 qualifiers.

The game was marred by disgusting chants from the stands and even forced the referee to stop play twice in a bid to calm fans down and prevent the abuse.

Sterling posted on social media after the game: "Feeling sorry for Bulgaria to be represented by such idiots in their stadium. 

"Anyway.. 6-0 and we go back home, at least we did our job. Safe travel to our fans, u guys did well".

His post was praised by thousands of fans and Donnelly was also quick to applaud his professional and mature handling of the situation.

Simply said, Donnelly replied: "role model for the youth", with applause emojis.

Donnelly's fellow former Celtic Chris Sutton also blasted Bulgarian supporters for their chants.

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He snapped: "Abhorrent supporters screaming rascist at England players but I don’t think the players should go off and let the morons think they have won... why not just eject the scumbags??"

Man City star Sterling was among the goals along with Ross Barkley and Harry Kane as the Three Lions bounced back from their 2-1 Czech Republic defeat at the weekend.