FIFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against Hungary after England stars were racially abused in Budapest.

Monkey chants were heard from behind the Puskas Stadium goal where The Three Lions scored their four second half goals in the 4-0 win to enhance their position at the top of Group I.


The vile abuse was reportedly aimed at Raheem Sterling and Jude Bellingham.

The entire team was also booed when they took the knee before kick-off, while plastic beer glasses and even a flare were thrown at Southgate’s players as they took corners and celebrated their goals.

The FA immediately announced it was asking Fifa to investigate.

And now Zurich has announced it will act as a Fifa 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.”

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Bellingham tweeted his thanks to fans who have sent him messages after the incident.

The Borussia Dortmund teenager, who was an unused substitute on the night, wrote: “Thank you for all the messages of support from last night. Part of the game and always will be until proper punishments are put in place by those with the power. We can’t let hate win, keep smiling!”

The vile behaviour of Hungarian supporters involved has sparked widespread outrage as Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Labour leader Keir Starmer and England manager Gareth Southgate all slammed it.

PM Johnson tweeted: “It is completely unacceptable that England players were racially abused in Hungary last night.

“I urge FIFA to take strong action against those responsible to ensure that this kind of disgraceful behaviour is eradicated from the game for good.”

Southgate said: “It's not acceptable. We have taken our stance, took the knee, right thing, I don't think the group of players that we've had could be doing anything more for that cause.”

However, Hungary's foreign minister insisted the ugly scenes in Budapest were comparable to the Euro 2020 final at Wembley.

Peter Sziijarto reckons the disgraceful scenes from Hungarian fans is similar to England supporters booing Italy's national anthem.

The politician made his feelings known by sharing a video of what happened at Wembley in July on his Facebook feed.

England supporters were accused of being disrespectful after booing the Danish and Italian national anthems during the Euros.

Sziijarto wrote alongside the video from Wembley: "The English players complain about yesterday's 'hostile atmosphere in Budapest'.

"The following shot was taken at Wembley before the EC [Euros] final. The Italian anthem is barely audible amid the whistle concert of English fans. Have they also stated similar ones?"

Hungary were handed a three-match fan ban by Uefa following the incidents of racism and homophobia by fans during Euro 2020.

But that applies to Uefa tournaments and not Fifa ones.

Fifa explained before last night’s game: “With regards to the previous Uefa sanction against Hungary, please note that as specified by Uefa at the time, this sanction is to be served in Uefa competitions.”

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ITV's touchline reporter Gabriel Clarke alleged that racist monkey chants were aimed at Sterling and Bellingham.

Clarke said: "We're behind the goal that England are attacking. I'm sad to report some monkey chanting from supporters in the ultras section directed first at Raheem Sterling and then Jude Bellingham when he was warming up in this corner of the ground.

“I'm not sure if the players heard any of that. The Hungarian FA have warned fans not to do this but it's been audible and it's been visible.”

England captain Harry Kane said after the game that he didn't hear the racist chants but would talk to his players about them.

He said: “I didn’t hear that. I will talk to the boys and see if they heard any of it or not.

“Look, we will report it to Uefa as the rules permit and if it is the case then Uefa can come down strong.”

 

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