Jude Bellingham and Raheem Sterling received audible racist abuse from sections of the Hungarian support during Thursday night’s World Cup qualifier in Budapest
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Gareth Southgate post Hungary
Mason Mount has called on FIFA to issue bans after England players were targeted for “disgraceful” racist abuse.
FIFA have now launched a full-scale investigation into what happened in Budapest after England players and Football Association staff submitted written evidence after the game.
Jude Bellingham was targeted as he warmed up on the touchline while monkey chants and gestures were made towards Raheem Sterling at the Puskas Arena.
There is also huge frustration that it was allowed to happen amid a political row between FIFA and UEFA because fans were allowed into the stadium even though Hungary have already been given a stadium ban for racism and homophobic behaviour during the Euros.
That has disgusted the England players and Chelsea star Mount has spoken out in the strongest possible terms to call for action.
Mount said: “We obviously have had it in the past and it is a disgrace how it keeps on happening.
“Consequences need to take place and the FA will be speaking to FIFA about it and hopefully it keeps getting put to them and they hand out bans but it needs to stop and we need to get this out of football.”
It is understood there were “crowd spotters” in the stadium supplied by anti-racism group FARE who have now submitted a full report.
Players have complained they were pelted with coins, plastic cups and Hungary are almost certain to face a separate charge because a flare was let off during the game.
Immediately after the game, England players were unsure what had been abuse and what was booing but Gareth Southgate took longer in the dressing room than usual to speak to the players and listen to what they had heard.
Video footage has now been reviewed where it is understood the monkey chants and gestures were very clear.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham was also in attendance and the FA are now pushing for action but there is also a realisation that they are awaiting the outcome and punishment from UEFA after the shameful scenes at the Euros final in July.
What punishment should Hungary face after the racist abuse in Budapest? Comment below
Hungary fans booed the taking of the knee before the game and there are fears that the same will happen in Poland next week.
There were loud jeers and boos during the game but players said the mood got nasty after Sterling’s opening goal and his celebration.
The players did not walk off as many did not hear it but would have the full support of the FA if they decided to take that action next week.
The row between FIFA and UEFA has also played a part as there is frustration that Hungary’s two game stadium ban was not imposed immediately. But it has been put on hold from the Euros as that is a UEFA competition and kicks in next year as World Cup qualifiers are under FIFA’s rules.
However, the real impact of an immediate ban which would have spared England platers from abuse has potentially been lost.
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