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Hungary football body bans 'several' fans over Wembley clashes

Charlotte Wilson/Offside / Offside / Getty

Budapest, Oct 14, 2021 (AFP) - The Hungarian football federation MLSZ said Thursday it has issued two-year bans to "several violators" after Hungary supporters clashed with police at Wembley during a World Cup qualifier against England.

"Several violators identified at the scene by security guards have been banned from attending sporting events for two years under the provisions of the (Hungarian) Sports Act," MLSZ spokesman Jeno Sipos told AFP.

Sipos declined to specify how many fans have been banned "because investigations are ongoing".

Just moments after kick-off on Tuesday, trouble flared among the pocket of around 1,000 Hungarians in one corner of Wembley.

Dozens of Hungary supporters charged at stewards, who were forced to retreat before police wielding batons arrived.

The fighting continued for several minutes before riot police finally restored order in the stands and the stadium concourse.

The incident occurred when police moved in to arrest one Hungary fan for a racist comment to a steward.

"In the case of violators where identification could not be ascertained at the site, a report was filed with the police and an official investigation launched," Sipos told AFP.

"The police will continue the investigation on the basis of evidence obtained from several sources," he said.

Hungary's supporters also booed when England players took the knee before kick-off and held up a banner protesting against the anti-racism gesture.

It was not the first time Hungary fans had caused problems during their meetings with England in the qualifying campaign.

England's 4-0 win in Budapest in September was marred by racist chants from Hungarians aimed at Raheem Sterling and Jude Bellingham.

Missiles were also thrown at England's players at the Puskas Arena.

Hungary were ordered to play two home FIFA competition matches behind closed doors, one suspended for two years, following the racist behaviour.

UEFA had already told Hungary to play one game behind closed doors following racist abuse from supporters and homophobic banners in the stands during their Euro 2020 matches in Budapest.

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