FA would back England team walking off in protest at racism after Hungary fans’ night of shame

THE FA would have fully supported the England team if they had decided to walk off the pitch in protest after suffering shocking racial abuse against Hungary.

Raheem Sterling and Jude Bellingham were on the receiving end of monkey chants from the Hungary fans at the Puskas Arena in Budapest during Thursday’s match.

In the event of continued racist abuse during a game, officials can halt play to allow both teams to leave the field.

Had the England players had exited the pitch without permission from the officials, however, the FA might have been hit with sanctions for the players’ actions.

But the team would have had their full backing had they left the pitch without permission, despite any possible consequences they might incur.

The sickening abuse was confirmed by anti-racism spotters in the crowd, as well as footage captured by broadcasters, which clearly demonstrated the abuse aimed towards the England players.

World football’s governing body Fifa has also announced its intention to launch an official investigation into the incident.

Their statement read: “Following analysis of the match reports, Fifa has opened disciplinary proceedings concerning the incidents last night at the game Hungary-England.

“Once again, Fifa would like to state that our position remains firm and resolute in rejecting any form of racism and violence as well as any other form of discrimination or abuse.

“We have a very clear zero tolerance stance against such abhorrent behaviours in football.”

We will be asking Fifa to investigate the matter

The FA

After Sterling, 26, scored the first of England’s goals in their 4-0 thrashing of Hungary, he was subjected to racist abuse from the home fans and had cups thrown at him from the stands.

The abuse continued as substitute Bellingham, 18, warmed up on the touchline in the second half, as he too was subjected to monkey chanting from the home supporters.

There was already controversy surrounding the game, as Hungary are currently serving a three-match fan ban by Uefa following incidents of racism and homophobia involving their fans during Euro 2020.

But that sanction did not apply to this Fifa fixture, raising questions as to why the two governing bodies are not more closely aligned on issues as important as racism.

England manager Gareth Southgate said post-match: “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. I have heard reports of racism and we were not aware of that during the game.

“I am not sure we were particularly sensible celebrating right in front of their fans with the flare but the racism is the key part.

“We try to take a right stand, we knew taking the knee would get an adverse reaction and anything of that nature is unacceptable.

“I think players recognise that the world is changing 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 modernising.”

The Three Lions next take on Andorra at Wembley on Sunday in their first match on home soil since their defeat on penalties in the final of Euro 2020 against Italy.

With World Cup qualification almost secured, Southgate could field a much changed team, with Leeds striker Patrick Bamford, 27, being widely tipped to make his debut for the Three Lions.

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