Ugly scenes in Wembley: Racist abuse of a steward, Hungary fans clash with police

Posted Wednesday, October 13, 2021 by Marca.com

Visiting fans fought English police and abused security staff

Ugly scenes in Wembley: Racist abuse of a steward, Hungary fans clash with police
Hungary fans battle with the British police Nick Potts AP

England's World Cup Qualifier against Hungary was spoiled by scenes in the stands at Wembley, where Hungarian supporters clashed with police and security staff.

Hungary's supporters have been the cause of several recent problems, even when facing England specifically, and their last meeting in Budapest saw the home fans boo the losing finalists of Euro 2020 before the match as Gareth Southgate's players took a knee. They then proceeded to racially abuse a number of England's players as Hungary were beaten 4-0.

At Wembley on Tuesday, a supporter was arrested for alleged racist abuse aimed at a steward in the stadium, with fans then clashing with the police. The away fans again booed England's taking of the knee, and started to clash with police inside five minutes of kick off.

"Shortly after the start of tonight's match at Wembley, officers entered the stand to arrest a spectator for a racially aggravated public order offence following comments made towards a steward," the Metropolitan Police said in a statement, while the game was still going on.

"As the officers made the arrest, minor disorder broke out involving other spectators. Order was quickly restored and there have been no further incidents at this stage."

The Football Association (FA) have opened an investigation and will report the incident to FIFA.