ENGLAND boss Gareth Southgate slammed Hungary’s fans for racially abusing his players as Rio Ferdinand hit out at their ‘unacceptable’ behaviour.
Three Lions stars Raheem Sterling and Jude Bellingham were subject to vile monkey chants in Budapest during Thursday night’s World Cup qualifier.
Southgate’s men were booed prior to kick-off following England’s decision to take the knee before thrashing Hungary 4-0.
Manchester City winger Sterling was even pelted with missiles after breaking the deadlock at the Ferenc Puskas Stadium.
Following the clash, Southgate hit out at Hungary’s supporters, as he said: “We were aware of booing but weren’t aware of anything else but I need to speak to the players and if that’s the case it’s very disappointing.
“As a team we have dealt with a very difficult atmosphere in a football sense. It’s not acceptable. Everyone knows, I’ve said enough about racism over the last two years, you know where I stand on it.
“But we also have to look at ourselves, we haven’t got our own house in order. I don’t want to come here and make a big fuss about Hungary but if it’s happened action should be taken.
“At any level it’s not acceptable whether it’s one person or an entire stand. It was definitely an incredible atmosphere and in a football sense the players kept the crowd quiet.
“I have heard reports of racism and we were not aware of that during the game.”
Meanwhile Rio Ferdinand posed a question to European football’s governing body to ask them what action they intend to take.
He tweeted: “UEFA, interested to see what your response/sanctions will be to the racism the England players received in Hungary last night. Totally unacceptable.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson also took to social media to blast the disgusting behaviour from the home fans.
He said: “It is completely unacceptable that England players were racially abused in Hungary last night.
“I urge FIFA to take strong action against those responsible to ensure that this kind of disgraceful behaviour is eradicated from the game for good.”
Labour Party leader Keir Starmer was equally as critical, as he remarked: “Another dominant England performance and a great result.
“But once again, our England team are subjected to disgusting racist abuse. Completely unacceptable behaviour.
“Strong action must be taken against Hungary to protect players and show racism has no place in football.”
The FA condemned the abuse in a statement which read: “It is extremely disappointing to hear reports of discriminatory actions towards some of our England players.
“We will be asking FIFA to investigate the matter. We continue to support the players and staff in our collective determination to highlight and tackle discrimination in all its forms.”
Arsenal legend Ian Wright also took aim at football’s governing bodies for not doing enough to tackle racism.
Meanwhile England skipper Harry Kane commented on the racist chants, as he said: “I didn’t hear that. I will talk to the boys and see if they heard any of it or not.
“Look, we will report it to Uefa as the rules permit and if it is the case then Uefa can come down strong.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
