THE Hungarian FA have vowed to identify and ban ‘troublemakers’ after England stars were abused last night – but didn’t mention tackling racism in their statement.
Three Lions aces were subjected to disgraceful treatment in Budapest, with Raheem Sterling and Jude Bellingham reportedly having racist abuse hurled at them.
A section of Hungarian fans also threw projectiles at players, while England stars taking the knee were loudly booed.
The likes of Gareth Southgate, Harry Kane and even PM Boris Johnson have called on Fifa to take ‘strong action’.
And Hungary themselves have now made a statement – without mentioning racism.
Their FA wrote: “The vast majority of the sixty thousand fans who visited Puskas Arena cheered for their team in a fair way and encouraged the Hungarian national team even when they were already losing.
“We need to identify the troublemakers and strictly punish them in order to protect these fans.
“The fans who threw flares and glasses to the pitch are being identified.
“The Hungarian Football Federation will report/has already reported them to the police.
“The Federation will initiate a civilian lawsuit in order to make the perpetrators responsible for paying any fine that could occur, and, besides that, they can expect a two-year ban at the end of the process.”
After the Three Lions ran out 4-0 winners, PM Johnson, 57, 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.”
It’s unacceptable on any level and just disappointing
Harry Kane
Skipper Kane meanwhile added: “We hope that Uefa are strong with their sanctions, that’s all we can ask.
“It’s unacceptable on any level and just disappointing.”
ITV anchor Mark Pougatch also accused Hungary fans of directing anti-semitic abuse at Kane.
He said: “Harry Kane, after he did his interview with Gabriel (Clarke), had anti-Semitic insults thrown at him.
“There was a flare as well.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
