CROWD trouble broke out in the Hungary section of the crowd within three minutes of kick-off at Wembley – as one fan was arrested for racist abuse.
Scores of Hungarian supporters made a beeline for stewards working in the small area cordoned off for visiting fans.
In terrifying scenes, the group of stewards, numbered around 20, were left to protect themselves under attack from all angles as tensions spilled over.
They received welcome reinforcement from police who attempted to wade in with batons in an effort to restore order.
But the line of stewards and police were driven down through the tunnel under the stands as punches and kicks rained in on them.
One policeman was knocked off his feet under the force of the attack and had to be dragged away to safety.
Play continued as normal as England attacked down the left wing, yards from where the trouble was.
Riot police and stewards finally restored order underneath the stands, as tempers started to settle down.
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Metropolitan Police confirmed at half-time there was an arrest for a racist slur from an unidentified supporter – sparking the crowd trouble.
The tweet said: “Shortly after the start of tonight’s match at Wembley, officers entered the stand to arrest a spectator for a racially aggravated public order offence following comments made towards a steward.
“As the officers made the arrest, minor disorder broke out involving other spectators.
“Order was quickly restored and there have been no further incidents at this stage.”
England defenders Tyrone Mings and John Stones had their say on the thugs.
When told of the racial abuse of a steward and asked about punishments, Mings said: “It’s very difficult for me to speak too freely on an issue that is to do with police.
“Every time we speak about racial abuse, the punishments that follow never seem to be in line with what’s happened.
“I sincerely hope that if that was the case, the punishment this time fits what happened.”
Stones commented: “If they’re showing those signs to what we believe in as a nation, I’ve nothing good to say about them as supporters, as human beings.
“To hear that after the game, it’s upsetting and wrong.”
England boss Gareth Southgate added: “I’m only hearing this as I’m doing the interviews. I was aware of a disturbance.
“It sounds like it was not acceptable but I haven’t seen the detail.”
But asked about the fighting, racial abuse of steward and fans letting them down, Hungary boss Marco Rossi said: “I cannot comment on this situation, this is not my task.
“Everything I could say would be interpreted in a different way, so I prefer no comment.”
It is the second time trouble has flared at Wembley this year, following the storming of the turnstiles at the Euro 2020 final in July.
The FA are still awaiting a disciplinary decision from Uefa over that incident – and the governing body are sure to investigate this latest violence.
The FA had been expecting around 1,000 visiting supporters for the World Cup qualifier, the majority of them based in the UK.
Before kick-off the Hungarian fans loudly booed as England players took the knee, while the visiting team remained standing.
A banner was unfurled which showed a symbol against kneeling – but the home support responded with loud applause.
Riot police later took up positions under the stands beneath the small away section in case of more trouble.
The match at Wembley was the return game from the one that took place at Puskas Arena last month in which racist abuse was aimed at England players.
Three Lions players were also pelted with objects in the second half and a flare was thrown on the pitch by the home fans, with Fifa opening disciplinary proceedings after the game.
Despite Uefa ordering Hungary to play three home games behind closed doors after their supporters’ discriminatory behaviour at Euro 2020, visiting fans were allowed in as the game came under Fifa’s jurisdiction.
England condemned the abuse as ‘completely unacceptable’ while British Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged Fifa ‘to take strong action against those responsible for the disgraceful behaviour’.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
