Hungary v England: Visiting players racially abused at Puskas Arena

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England condemned as "completely unacceptable" the racist abuse directed towards their players during Thursday's 4-0 win over Hungary in a World Cup qualifier in Budapest.

Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham were both targeted.

Uefa ordered Hungary to play three home games behind closed doors after fans' discriminatory behaviour at Euro 2020.

Charges related to racism and other discriminatory conduct.

But home supporters were allowed in to the 67,000-capacity Puskas Arena in Budapest against England as this match falls under Fifa jurisdiction.

The tone was set at kick-off when England's players were booed loudly as they took a knee to protest against racism.

Hungary's players and their head coach Marco Rossi had asked supporters to respect England's gesture before the match but the message went unheeded.

"We took the knee and we knew it would get an adverse reaction but we think it's the right thing to do," said England manager Gareth Southgate afterwards

The first half was otherwise uneventful on and off the field - but in the second half, Sterling was pelted with paper cups and bottles when he opened the scoring for England, while a flare was thrown on to the pitch after Harry Maguire put the visitors 3-0 ahead.

England manager Gareth Southgate had ice thrown at him by fans during his post-match interview with BBC Radio 5 Live. He said: "I've heard reports of racism, which I hadn't heard during the game.

"Everyone knows what we stand for as a team, and that's completely unacceptable. It has been reported. Our head of security has spoken to the players and taken their statement. We will deal with it in the right channels.

"I believe that people have been filmed and we have to hope it's dealt with the right way.

"The world is modernising and although some people are stuck in their ways of thinking and their prejudices, they're going to be the dinosaurs in the end because the world is changing."

England captain Harry Kane, one of the scorers in a dominant 4-0 win, said: "I'll talk to the boys. We'll have to report it. If it's the case, then hopefully the authorities can come down strong."

The Football Association said in a statement: "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."

'Grace and integrity' in the face of racism

This is the latest example of an England qualifier being affected by racism, following two incidents during matches en route to Euro 2020.

In October 2019, the Three Lions' game in Bulgaria was halted twice because of racist behaviour from fans. The previous March, racist chanting was directed at several England players during their match in Montenegro.

Tony Burnett, chief executive of Kick It Out, urged Fifa to investigate events in Budapest as a matter of urgency.

"Kick It Out was appalled to see the actions of some Hungary fans," he said.

"We stand proudly in support of the England players and staff, who once again acted with strength, grace and integrity in the face of racism that has no place in our game or our society.

"This is not the first incident like this in Hungary, so we urge Fifa to investigate this matter urgently.

"Those responsible need to be held to account and steps need to be taken to ensure scenes like this are not repeated."

Players stand together in 'unacceptable atmosphere

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