(BBC) – Fifa has opened disciplinary proceedings after racist abuse was aimed at England players during Thursday’s 4-0 win over Hungary in a World Cup qualifier in Budapest.

Raheem Sterling and Jude Bellingham were both targeted.
England players were also pelted with objects in the second half and a flare was thrown on the pitch by the home fans at Puskas Arena.
England condemned the abuse as “completely unacceptable”.

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Bellingham, 18, tweeted on Friday: “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.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged Fifa “to take strong action against those responsible to ensure that this kind of disgraceful behaviour is eradicated from the game for good”.

On Friday afternoon, football’s world governing body Fifa said disciplinary proceedings had been opened “following analysis of the match reports”.
It added: “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.”
I don’t think our players can do any more – Southgate

Despite Uefa ordering Hungary to play three home games behind closed doors after supporters’ discriminatory behaviour, fans were allowed in on Thursday as the game came under Fifa’s jurisdiction.

The Uefa ban relates to racism and other discriminatory conduct which took place during Euro 2020 in June.
While Uefa manage World Cup qualifiers involving European teams, Fifa is able to take action because it is their competition.
“Fifa strongly rejects any form of racism and violence and has a very clear zero tolerance stance for such behaviour in football,” the game’s global governing body said.

Fifa and Uefa criticised for allowing fans to attend
Anti-discrimination bodies Kick It Out, Show Racism the Red Card and Fare criticised Fifa and Uefa for their handling of Hungary’s existing ban.

“The question for us is why Fifa didn’t act to prevent this, and why the global football system didn’t work together to prevent this,” Kick It Out chief executive Tony Burnett said.

“All I’m hearing again thus far is excuses about who should file what paperwork and who should file permission for X, Y and Z.”
Fare executive director Piara Powar said allowing fans to attend in Budapest was an example of the “system falling apart” as Uefa and Fifa try to deal with racism.