04 September,2021 07:45 AM IST | Budapest | AFP
England’s Raheem Sterling (right) celebrates his goal against Hungary during their World Cup qualifier on Thursday. Pic/AFP
Rampant England eased past Hungary in Budapest on Thursday with a second-half four-goal barrage that propels Gareth Southgate's men toward qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after a tie marred by abusive fan behaviour.
After a first half bereft of shots on target, Raheem Sterling broke the deadlock with a clipped shot 10 minutes into the second period before a pair of headers by Harry Kane and Harry Maguire soon after and a late Declan Rice strike sealed a 4-0 win. Before play began the England players took the knee to highlight racial injustice, and were met by cacophonous booing in the Puskas Arena.
After Sterling's goal plastic beer glasses were also launched by fans toward him who was then booed throughout, while a flare was thrown onto the pitch near where Maguire celebrated his strike, with reports of alleged monkey chants also heard.
England boss Southgate
The incidents were called "completely unacceptable" afterwards by Southgate. "The players should not have to be subjected to any form of racism...the individuals responsible need to be dealt with," he said. "Some people are stuck in their ways of thinking and their prejudices, they are going to be the dinosaurs in the end as the world is modernising," he added.
Meanwhile, FIFA vowed to take action after racist abuse was aimed at England players. World governing body FIFA said "adequate action" would be taken in regard to the abuse the players were subjected to.
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
