Next racism scandal: FIFA condemns Hungary to ghost games

Next racism scandal
FIFA condemns Hungary to ghost games

The Hungarian Football Association is punished for the misconduct of its fans for the second time within a few months. They had mocked BVB professional Jude Bellingham and star striker Raheem Sterling with monkey sounds in the World Cup qualifier against England.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sentenced Hungary to two ghost games and a fine of 185,000 euros. The second game is suspended. The reason for the penalty is the “racist behavior” of numerous fans at the World Cup qualifier between Hungary and England in early September. For the Hungarian association (MLSZ) it is the second severe penalty within a short time after UEFA took action after the European Championship.

In the 4-0 home defeat in the World Cup qualifier against England in early September, the English internationals Jude Bellingham and Raheem Sterling were racially insulted by parts of the Hungarian fans. England coach Gareth Southgate had described the culprits as “dinosaurs” “who cling to old thought patterns and prejudices”. Even the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was outraged on Twitter and described the insults as “completely unacceptable”.

Again and again Hungary

“After examining and considering all the circumstances of the case, in particular the seriousness of the incidents in question (racist statements and actions, throwing objects, setting off fireworks, blocking stairs), the commission ordered the MLSZ to play the next two home games at FIFA- Competitions have to be held closed to the public, with the second match suspension suspended for a period of two years, “said FIFA. Hungary will have to play the two World Cup qualifiers, against Albania on October 9th and against San Marino on November 12th, without fans. In Group I they currently occupy fourth place with 10 points.

Hungary made the headlines more often during the politicized European Championship. You played a central role in the “rainbow” dispute between the city of Munich and UEFA. They were also the center of attention when it came to the issue of racism. The notorious “Carpathian Brigade” is said to have appeared at the games in the Budapest stadium and attracted attention through racist remarks. The black-clad mob is considered by experts to be a paramilitary and right-wing radical group.

After the various incidents during the European Championship this summer, Hungary was sentenced to two UEFA home games without spectators. As early as 2019, UEFA ordered the team to play a home game closed to the public in a European Championship qualifier against Slovakia due to the racist behavior of its supporters.

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