marred by reports of racism in Budapest

ENGLAND’s 4-0 victory over Hungary in Budapest was marred by missiles being thrown at Raheem Sterling by home supporters and reports of monkey-chants during the World Cup qualifier.

Sterling opened the scoring in the 55th minute at the Ferenc Puskas Arena and celebrated by revealing a T-shirt with the message “Love you forever Steffie Greg” in tribute to his friend who died of Covid-19 earlier this week.

But the Manchester City forward was then pelted with plastic drinks thrown by a section of the crowd, with UK broadcasters ITV reporting that Sterling and Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham had also been subjected to monkey chants during the second half.

With no away fans in attendance, the jeers that had earlier met England’s players taking the knee before kick-off in the now-familiar stance against racism and discrimination was deafening.

Hungary’s fans have been given a two-game stadium ban by UEFA for racist and homophobic behaviour at the Euro 2020 finals and will serve it when the Nations League kicks off next summer.

Goals from Harry Kane, Harry Maguire and Declan Rice secured a comfortable win for Gareth Southgate’s side as they strengthened their chances of qualifying for next year’s World Cup in Qatar> (The Guardian).