Hungary to play behind closed doors after racist behavior by fans in England game

[ad_1]

Raheem Sterling was bombarded with paper cups after scoring England’s opener

Hungary have been ordered to play two closed-door matches by Fifa following the racism suffered by England players during the World Cup qualifiers in Budapest on September 2.

However, the second ground closure is suspended for two years.

The Hungarian Football Association was also fined 158,400 (200,000 Swiss francs).

“Fifa takes a clear zero tolerance stance against such heinous behavior in football,” the Fifa statement read.

The governing body added that it remained “firm and determined to reject all forms of racism and violence as well as all other forms of discrimination or abuse”.

In June, UEFA fined the Hungarian federation 85,500 and ordered the stadium closed for three games, with the last game suspended, for discriminatory behavior by their supporters at Euro 2020.

This sanction did not apply to the visit of England as the World Cup qualifier was a Fifa game rather than being under the control of UEFA, which did not request the transfer of the sanction.

Fifa declared to have imposed the sanctions “after having analyzed and taken into consideration all the circumstances of the case, in particular the seriousness of the incidents (racist words and actions, throwing of objects, lighting of fireworks, blocked stairs ) “.

I don’t think our players can do more – Southgate

Raheem Sterling and Jude Bellingham were both targeted, England players were bombarded with objects in the second half and a rocket was launched into the pitch by home fans at Puskas Arena.

England players were also booed as they knelt before the match at the 67,000-capacity stadium.

Sterling was bombarded with cups and paper bottles when he opened the scoring for England before a flare was launched onto the pitch after Harry Maguire gave Gareth Southgate’s side the lead 3-0.

Southgate also got ice cream thrown by fans during their post-match interview with BBC Radio 5 Live.

Kick It Out Development Manager Troy Townsend tweeted, “What does ‘zero tolerance approach’ mean?

“Anyway, we [in England] have our own issues and don’t even go that far with punishments, so better leave it alone. “

[ad_2]