ENGLAND open their 2022/23 UEFA Nations League account with a trip to Hungary, which will take place in a peculiar atmosphere.
The Magyars’ supporters have been banned from the match following racist behaviour at Euro 2020.
Which as a result, the Hungarian Football Federation was issued with a hefty fine of £166k.
However, while regular Hungary supporters will not be able to attend, 30 thousand kids will be allowed to.
Why were Hungary given a stadium ban?
Hungary were handed a stadium ban because of racism and hooliganism by Magyars supporters during their Euro group fixture against France.
Due to World Cup qualifying games taking place over the past year, which are under Fifa’s jurisdiction, the ban has only taken effect now, with the Uefa Nations League getting underway.
Monkey chants were directed were also directed at Manchester City star Raheem Sterling and Borussia Dortmund ace Jude Bellingham during England’s World Cup qualifier against Hungary.
As a result of this, the Hungarians were handed a game behind closed doors by Fifa – a penalty that was served during their 1-0 home defeat to Albania in October.
Article 73 of Uefa’s regulations allow children up to 14 years old from schools and football academies to be invited to the match for free, if they are accompanied by an adult.
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Latest news and updates from Nations League opener plus how to watch
Why are kids attending Hungary vs England when it is behind closed doors?
Uefa updated its statute in 2019 to give football clubs and national teams the option of inviting local kids to behind closed doors game.
Article 73 of Uefa’s regulations allow children up to 14-years-old from schools and football academies to be invited to the match for free, if they are accompanied by an adult.
UEFA imposed a £85,000 fine on the FA and a penalty for Three Lions supporters to watch their nation after some disturbing scenes at the conclusion of the Euros last summer.
Hundreds of ticketless fans bombarded the stewards at Wembley, forcing their way into the ground.
And they continued to terrorise the streets once England had lost in a dramatic penalty shootout to Italy.
English defender Harry Maguire revealed that his father Alan suffered two suspected broken ribs before the game.
As a result, Uefa decided that England’s game against Italy should be played behind closed doors.
However, the FA have notified Uefa that they also intend to trigger Article 73, allowing local kids to attend.
What has been said?
Gareth Southgate has admitted that it is an ’embarrassment’ that England will be playing behind closed.
The English gaffer said: “We’ve got the embarrassment now of playing behind closed doors at home.
“Normally when you watch those things having happened abroad, we’re all grandstanding about how it’s someone else’s problem and how this country should be dealt with – and now it’s us.