England players booed by Hungary fans when taking a knee


England players were booed by Hungary fans when taking a knee before their Nations League opener in Budapest, despite the hosts being forced to play the game behind closed doors due to racist abuse from the stands.

UEFA imposed a spectator ban after the previous behaviour of Hungary fans during Euro 2020 matches staged in the country last summer. However, in excess of 30,000 - mostly children - were allowed inside the Puskas Arena on Saturday evening as UEFA rules allow for an unlimited number of U14s to attend games behind closed doors.

The national anthems of both countries were respected as the players made their way out onto the pitch, but jeers appeared to be audible from the crowd when England took a knee before kick-off in what is their first visit to the stadium since being racially abused during their 4-0 World Cup qualifying win in September.

However, UEFA will not punish Hungary for booing the act of taking a knee, as it is not against their rules.

Speaking on Friday, England manager Gareth Southgate said he was "surprised" so many spectators were being allowed to attend.

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