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      Gareth Bale says countries with racist fans should be kicked out by Uefa and ‘they’ll learn their lesson that way’

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      WALES winger Gareth Bale believes countries with racist fans should be booted out of competitions in a bid to kick out abuse.The Real Madrid forward, 32, was giving his views on what action governing bodies need to make to combat racism from supporters in stadiums.
      Gareth Bale has hit out at racist fans and claimed that countries should be kicked out of tournamentsCredit: Reuters
      England star Raheem Sterling had abuse hurled at him after scoring against HungaryCredit: PA
      Bale has been speaking on the matter after Raheem Sterling and Jude Bellingham were subject to abuse during England’s 4-0 win against Hungary on Thursday.
      Fifa have subsequently launched an investigation after the Three Lions stars were targeted by vile yobs.
      Commenting on the situation prior to Wales’ World Cup qualifier against Belarus on Sunday, Bale said: “It is frustrating.
      “I don’t know why they launch these investigations that take so long. It is clear to see.
      “It has been picked up on camera, by journalists, I really don’t get why there needs to be such a big investigation. It is clear that it happened.
      “It does not matter if it happened a little or a lot. The action needs to be taken to stop it.

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      “Whether you ban the fans from the stadium or if they keep repeatedly doing it, which seems to be what is happening, then you ban the country from the competition.
      “I think it kicks it out straight away. If that country keeps making these horrible gestures, then maybe the best thing to do is to get rid of them, give them a suspension and hopefully they will learn their lesson that way.”
      Bale also went on to say how he would be prepared to walk off the pitch should a team-mate be subject to racist abuse.
      He added: “If it happened to any of our players and they wanted to walk off the pitch I’d be fully for it.

      “At the end of the day, football qualifiers are important but these matters come way above football.
      “If it happened to any of us and we decided to leave the pitch because we feel we weren’t getting the protection or being treated the right way – if the only way to get a response was to walk off then yes I’d be fully for it.
      “At the end of the day it’s the right thing to do and it’s more important than football.”
      Southgate reacts to England’s win and the racism faced after their World Cup qualifier against Hungary More

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      Gareth Southgate and Rio Ferdinand lead angry response after Hungary yobs’ ‘unacceptable’ racism towards England stars

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      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.
      England star Raheem Sterling was subject to racist abuse during the 4-0 win against HungaryCredit: AFP
      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.
      Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate hit out at the racist abuse aimed at his playersCredit: Getty

      “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.”
      Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand is demanding Uefa to take action following the unacceptable behaviour from Hungary fansCredit: PA
      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.”
      England remain on course to qualify for next year’s World Cup after winning their opening four qualifying matchesCredit: Reuters
      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.”
      Southgate reacts to England’s win and the racism faced after their World Cup qualifier against Hungary More

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      England player ratings: Harry Maguire picked up where he left off at Euro 2020 while Raheem Sterling ran Hungary ragged

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      ENGLAND put four past Hungary in a dynamic second-half display across the pitch from Gareth Southgate’s stars.Raheem Sterling slotted home the first before Harry Kane, Harry Maguire and Declan Rice got in on the act.
      England romped past Hungary after Raheem Sterling opened the scoringCredit: Getty
      For a first outing since the Euro 2020 final, it was a very convincing evening for the Three Lions.
      Here, SunSport’s Duncan Wright gives his verdict on the players in Budapest.
      Jordan Pickford – 6
      Only noticeable action in first-half was collecting a low cross and starting a quick counter-attack. At least had a save to make late on but the quietest of nights for the England keeper.
      Kyle Walker – 7
      Sloppy in possession early on but soon settled down and made more adventurous runs as the match went on. Brilliant pass released Kane to miss a sitter.

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      John Stones – 6
      Heart in mouth when misjudging a long ball which almost let Hungary in on goal. But soon found the pace of the game on first a run-out since the Euro 2020 final.
      Harry Maguire – 8
      Continued where he left off in the summer as he quickly became the dominant figure at the back. Capped a fine display off as he powered in header for the third.
      Luke Shaw – 6
      Steady but not the overlapping force of the Euros, and delayed playing key passes to halt attacks when in good positions. Good delivery from the corner set up the third goal.
      England came through the Budapest gauntlet in fine styleCredit: Reuters
      Declan Rice – 7
      Disciplined to stay deep rather than push forward like his club displays. Booked for lunging foul, but quickly back involved to win possession and start move for opener. Belted home the fourth, with help from the keeper.
      Kalvin Phillips – 7
      Buzzed round the midfield playing more advanced than Rice, but lacked the creative edge needed to open Hungary up. Vital interception sprang attack for England’s second and had far more impact in the second-half.
      Raheem Sterling – 9
      Looked to get on the front foot every time he gained possession knowing his pace was a real threat down the right. Did what he does best for England, scoring again and then setting up Kane for the second.
      Sterling calmly finished a swift move to put England aheadCredit: Reuters
      Mason Mount – 6
      Did everything asked of him as per usual, but with Hungary sat deep he struggled to make his trademark runs in behind. But he timed his run to perfection to overlap and cross for Sterling’s goal, then released the winger to create the second.
      Jack Grealish – 7
      Keen to get on the ball and create, but received plenty of attention from the Hungary defenders. Finally found the space to release Mount to deliver the key cross for the opening goal.
      Harry Kane – 7
      Blazed first chance high and wide when well placed, then completely fluffed great chance when clean through just after the break. Made it third time lucky with a diving header but should have had a hat-trick.
      Harry Kane got his goal but could have had a hat-trickCredit: Getty
      Substitutes
      Jordan Henderson – N/A
      Late replacement for Rice.
      Bukayo Saka – N/A
      Like Henderson, given a couple of minutes in a rest for Grealish.
      Jesse Lingard – N/A
      Introduced after 84 minutes for Mount.

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      England players booed in Hungary as they take knee in anti-racism message before World Cup qualifier More

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      Declan Rice drinks from cup thrown on pitch by Hungary fans as England stars pelted while celebrating Sterling goal

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      DECLAN RICE claimed before Euro 2020 that he had never drunk a single pint of beer — but would sink one if England won the tournament.It came agonisingly close but, as Hungary’s home fans vented their anger at Raheem Sterling’s opening goal last night, Rice gave us all a glimpse of what it may have looked like.
      Declan Rice pretended to drink from a cup thrown on the pitchCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Hungary fans lobbed several missiles at Raheem Sterling after his goalCredit: PA

      Sterling finished off a swift move and unveiled a tribute to Steffie Gregg, a friend and young Twitch streamer who died from Covid-19 complications.
      With no away fans in the Puskas Arena, England’s goal was met with silence before a hail of missiles rained down from the home end.
      Several cups were launched onto the pitch, at least one of which appeared to hit Sterling.
      Rather than allow themselves to become agitated by the petty scenes, the visiting players continued celebrating.
      Rice picked up one of the plastic cups of beer and pretended to neck whatever was left.
      It was Rice, 22, who started the move for the goal, cleanly winning the ball back despite being booked only moments earlier.

      England stars celebrated under a hail of missiles after the openerCredit: Reuters
      A flare was also thrown on the pitch by the Budapest crowdCredit: PA
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      After Sterling’s opener, England added to their advantage through goals from Harry Kane, Harry Maguire.
      Rice then got one himself, his first for the Three Lions, albeit with a little help from the Hungarian keeper.
      Hungary fans continued to disrupt their team’s chances by throwing a flare onto the pitch later in the half, having earlier booed the Three Lions players taking a knee in a demonstration against racism.
      ITV Sport also reported of alleged monkey chants aimed at Sterling and substitute Jude Bellingham from behind the goal.

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      England players booed in Hungary as they take knee in anti-racism message before World Cup qualifier More

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      Hakim Ziyech breaks silence after being accused of ‘unacceptable behaviour’ by Morocco manager in major row

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      HAKIM ZIYECH has taken aim at his Morocco manager after being accused of ‘unacceptable’ behaviour.Vahid Halilhodzic dropped the Chelsea star from his squad for World Cup qualifiers against Sudan and Guinea.
      Hakim Ziyech has hit out at his Morocco managerCredit: Reuters
      The reason behind the decision was not immediately clear with Ziyech, 28, back from a recent shoulder injury and the venues not being on the UK’s red list for travel.
      But Halilhodzic, 69, then alleged that the player had arrived late for previous international duty, refused to play, and set a bad example for younger players.
      Ziyech, who has 35 caps and 16 goals for Morocco, posted his reply on his Instagram stories.
      He wrote: “Next time when you speak, SPEAK THE TRUTH THEN…!!! [sic]”
      Accompanying the jibe was a clown-face emoji and it was not the first Ziyech has sent in his manager’s direction.
      After being left out of the squad, the midfielder posted a laughing-face emoji which many took as a response to his situation.

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      Halilhodzic had earlier fumed: “Ziyech’s behaviour in the last two matches, especially the last one, was not that of a national team player.
      “As a leader of the team, he has to be a positive role model.
      “He arrived late, and then even refused to work. There was no point in discussing it afterwards – as a coach the answer is right there to see.
      “For me the national team comes above everything. Nobody can hold it hostage.
      “For the first time in my career I have seen behaviour that disappoints me.
      “A player who refuses to play a game, admittedly a friendly, on the pretext that he is injured.

      “The medical staff made several examinations, and said he was fit to play.
      “He then refused to warm up in the second-half, because he was disappointed to be a substitute.
      “For me that type of behaviour is unacceptable. You can’t cheat with the national team.”

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      Hakim Ziyech trains with the Morocco international team More

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      Venezuela vs Argentina: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for World Cup qualifier

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      ARGENTINA are back in action this evening in a World Cup qualifying clash against Venezuela. Lionel Messi has joined back up with his team-mates after making his debut for PSG last week, and he’s expected to play some part for his country.
      Lionel Messi finally won the Copa America earlier this summerCredit: AFP
      What time does Venezuela vs Argentina kick-off?

      Argentina’s clash with Venezuela will get underway from 1am UK time in the early hours of Friday, September 3.
      The game will be played at the Estadio Polideportivo de Pueblo Nuevo in San Cristobal, Venezuela.
      The match will be watched by thousands of fans in attendance.

      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      Argentina’s match with Venezuela is available to watch live on Premier Sports.
      You can live stream the action from the Premier Player, which is available for download onto your mobile device or tablet.

      Team news
      Unfortunately for Venezuela, their squad WAS hit by a Covid outbreak during Copa America, but they’ve close to a full-strength side aga9in.
      Josef Martinez and Salomon Rondon are both expected to start tonight.
      Sergio Agüero has missed out on the squad for Argentina through injury, but Lionel Messi is expected to play.
      Odds

      Venezuela to win – 7/1
      Draw – 7/2
      Argentina to win – 4/9

      *Odds courtesy of Betfair and correct at time of publication. More

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      Italy vs Bulgaria: Live stream, TV channel, team news and kick-off time for World Cup qualifier TONIGHT

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      ITALY find themselves back in action against Bulgaria following their historic Euro 2020 victory in the summer. The Azzurri will be one of the favourites to win the World Cup next year in Qatar but they must first qualify.
      Italy are back in action against Bulgaria tonightCredit: Getty
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      Italy have won all three of their qualifying games so far and will be looking to make it four in a row against Bulgaria TONIGHT.
      What time does Italy vs Bulgaria kick-off?

      Italy’s clash with Bulgaria will get underway from 7.45pm UK time TONIGHT.
      The game will take place at the Artemio Franchi Stadium in Florence.
      There will be a limited capacity of fans allowed in the stadium to watch the match.

      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      Italy vs Belgium will be available to watch live on the Sky Sports Red Button.
      You can live stream the action from the Sky Sports app, which is available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.

      Team news
      Roberto Mancini called up a very similar-looking selection to the one named in the summer for Euro 2020.
      Andrea Belotti had to withdraw from the squad because of injury but Mancini has Ciro Immobile and Moise Kean in his ranks.
      Nicolo Manolo is back in action after a few months on the injury table and could push to start in midfield ahead of Nicolo Barella.
      Odds

      Italy to win – 1/12
      Draw – 11/1
      Bulgaria to win – 40/1

      *Odds courtesy of Betfair and correct at time of publication. More

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      Gareth Southgate tells England stars the best way to get over Euro heartbreak is to WIN the World Cup in Qatar

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE reckons England must win the World Cup next year to ease their Euro 2020 pain.The Three Lions travel to Hungary for a 2022 qualifier on Thursday, the country’s first game since losing to Italy on penalties at Wembley in the Euro final.
      England players arrived in Hungary for their first game since the Euro 2020 finalCredit: Getty
      Gareth Southgate is plotting World Cup glory after their woe this summerCredit: Getty
      Asked how England can get over that gut-wrenching loss, Southgate said: “We probably need to win a World Cup final.
      “Nothing else is really going to compare to the level of the game we were involved in and the unique circumstance that being involved in a final brings.
      “We had two years of having to reflect on a World Cup semi-final and whatever we do in the next 18 months has got to be towards challenging in a World Cup.”
      England defender Harry Maguire revealed it is still too painful to watch the Euro 2020 final — and plans to avoid it for the rest of his career.
      He said: “I haven’t watched any of it. Only a few short videos and things you get tagged in but I have not sat down and watched it.
      “I don’t think it is something I would want to do.

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      “At the moment it is something I want to stay away from. It hurts and will always hurt.
      “Maybe when I am retired I will look at my achievements and I might end up watching the final. But at the moment, I am looking forward to the future and where we can go as a team.”
      England face Hungary on Thursday in the first of three qualifiers in six days.
      Victory in Budapest and wins against Andorra and Poland will see Southgate’s squad virtually seal their World Cup spot.
      Maguire added: “Now I am focusing on the next one.
      “As a young boy you always dream of being a world champion so, individually, yes, the lads probably are thinking about being world champions.”

      Southgate is expecting tough games in Hungary and Poland.
      He could name the same side which lost to Italy. Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford are both out injured, while Jadon Sancho took a knock in training and is a doubt.
      Southgate said: “They are pivotal games in terms of qualification as well so you can’t predict what your hardest games are going to be — but we know that Hungary are a very good side.”

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      England pair Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice during England training on Wednesday morningCredit: PA
      Harry Kane and his team-mates go through their stretchingCredit: AFP
      Tyrone Mings and Jack Grealish share a laugh at St George’s ParkCredit: AFP
      Gareth Southgate reveals he thinks it’s better for Mason Greenwood to stay with his club at this time More