Hungary football fans clash with police at England game

UK

Clashes have broken out between Hungary football fans and police during England’s World Cup qualifier at Wembley Stadium.

The violence began after officers entered the away stand to make an arrest.

The Metropolitan Police said as they made the arrest – over alleged racist comments towards a steward – “minor disorder broke out involving other spectators”.

“Order was quickly restored and there have been no further incidents at this stage,” the force tweeted.

The incident happened shortly after the start of the game in northwest London.

Jeers were also heard at the away end as England players took the knee before kick-off.

Sky Sports’ Peter Smith, at Wembley, said: “Someone in the Hungary section held up an anti-taking-a-knee banner as the players made those symbolic gestures.

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England's Raheem Sterling (left) takes a knee
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There was jeering as England players took the knee

“In contrast, the England supporters applauded the players’ action.”

An FA spokesperson said: “We are aware of an incident in the away section during tonight’s FIFA 2022 World Cup qualifier at Wembley Stadium.

“We will be investigating and will report the incident to FIFA.”

Analysis by Tom Parmenter, sports correspondent

Wherever Hungary play racism seems to follow.

The visiting fans, many of whom live in the UK, jeered England taking the knee as the game was about to start.

It was just a minute or two after kick-off when Met Police officers moved in to arrest one of the Hungarian fans for allegedly shouting racist abuse at a Wembley steward.

The arrest in the stand provoked a violent reaction with Hungarian fists flying towards police officers who scrambled to get their riot helmets on.

For five minutes the brawling continued until officers restored calm and the Hungarian troublemakers returned to watching the match.

After the chaos at Wembley for the Euro 2020 final in July it is the last thing the FA want to see.

This though was entirely down to the visiting fans who have built their “don’t care” reputation over many years now.

The trouble comes after monkey chants were aimed at England duo Raheem Sterling and Jude Bellingham in last month’s 4-0 win in Budapest.

FIFA ordered Hungary to play two home matches behind closed doors, one suspended for two years, following the incident.

Away fans let off flares when they took the lead
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Away fans let off a flare when Hungary took the lead
England's John Stones celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game
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John Stones equalised for England

Tuesday evening’s match saw Hungary take the lead through a first-half penalty, with fans in the away end letting off a flare in celebration.

But manager Gareth Southgate’s men equalised through John Stones in the 37th minute. The match ended 1-1 after a goalless second half.

England are currently four points clear in their World Cup qualifying group, with just three fixtures left to play, but can’t guarantee their place in the Qatar tournament until next month.

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