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Hungary given stadium ban following racist abuse of England players

FIFA have dealt Hungary a two-game stadium ban and a fine following the racist abuse suffered by ...



Hungary given stadium ban foll...
Soccer

Hungary given stadium ban following racist abuse of England players

FIFA have dealt Hungary a two-game stadium ban and a fine following the racist abuse suffered by England players in Budapest. 

Raheem Sterling and Jude Bellingham were subjected to monkey chants during the World Cup qualifier at the Puskas Arena earlier this month.

England won the game 4-0, with Sterling opening the scoring.

The incidents cemented Hungary fans appalling reputation on the world stage. They were given a two-game ban by UEFA after each of their Euro 2020 matches were pockmarked by racist and homophobic abuse.

That ban did not apply to their recent World Cup qualifiers, as those matches were under FIFA's jurisdiction and not UEFA's.

But now, FIFA have directed that Hungary's next home game will be played behind closed doors. They're scheduled to play Albania in Budapest on October 9.

A second stadium ban will be suspended for a period of two years. The Hungarian FA has also been fined €185,000.

A FIFA statement read:

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has imposed a ban and a substantial fine on the Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ) in relation to the racist behaviour of numerous supporters during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifying match between Hungary and England on 2 September 2021.

After analysing and taking into consideration all the circumstances of the case, specifically the seriousness of the incidents (racist words and actions, throwing of objects, lighting of fireworks, blocked stairways), the Committee decided that the MLSZ would play its next two home matches in FIFA competitions without spectators, the second match being suspended for a probationary period of two years.

In addition, the Committee imposed a fine of CHF 200,000. 

FIFA’s position remains firm and resolute in rejecting any form of racism and violence as well as any other form of discrimination or abuse.

FIFA takes a clear zero tolerance stance against such abhorrent behaviour in football.

The decision rendered by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee was notified to the MLSZ.

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England Hungary Jude Bellingham Racism Raheem Sterling