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Harry Kane Calls For 'Strong Sanctions' After Alleged Racist Abuse Towards England Players

Harry Kane Calls For 'Strong Sanctions' After Alleged Racist Abuse Towards England Players

Raheem Sterling and Jude Bellingham were both reportedly the subject of racist abuse, as England defeated Hungary in a World Cup qualifier.

England captain Harry Kane has called for Hungary to face 'strong sanctions' from FIFA, after a section of fans were accused of racist abuse towards two England players.

Gareth Southgate's team were back in action for the first time since losing the Euro 2020 final to Italy in July on Thursday, as they faced Hungary in a World Cup qualifier.

There were fears ahead of the game that members of the home fans would boo the visiting players taking the knee, which certainly played out.

When Raheem Sterling scored the opening goal in the 55th minute, the home fans were not too happy, launching all sorts of 'missiles' at the Manchester City forward, with Declan Rice picking up one cup and drinking from it to mock the Hungarians.

After the match there were also accusations that both Sterling, and Jude Bellingham, were the subject of racist abuse, with claims that monkey noises were made towards them.

Speaking following his side's win, Kane called for FIFA to come down hard on the hosts. "We hope UEFA are strong with their sanctions," the Tottenham Hotspur striker told Sky Sports.

"That's all we can hope for. It's disappointing, we're here to play football, to put on a show for ALL fans, home or away. It's a shame there's a few that decides to act like that."

Fellow England Harry, Maguire, confirmed that the players hadn't heard the racist abuse and had only been informed of it by the media after the game.

The Manchester United defender also called the news 'disappointing' and called for the fans to be punished in some way, following their actions.

Hungary had been forced by UEFA to play their next three games behind closed doors following the Euros, when fans were found guilty of homophobic and racist behaviour during games in Budapest.

However the ban was handed down by the European governing body and last night's game was a World Cup qualifier, overseen by FIFA.

The world governing body could have decided to extend the ban to the games but, unlike with player suspensions, has decided not to and Hungary fans won't be banned until the UEFA Nations League starts again next year.

Hungary head coach Marco Rossi, who had called for fans not to boo the England players taking of the knee, apologised to players for the abuse they received.

England defeated their hosts 4-0, to solidify their place at the top of the group, with Sterling, Kane, Maguire and Declan Rice all on the scoresheet.

The Three Lions top group I after four games with 12 points from 12, with Poland and Hungary five points behind them on seven.

They next face Andorra on Sunday before a trip to Poland on Wednesday. The group continues next month with games against Andorra and the return fixture with Hungary, before ending with sames against Albania and San Marino in November.

Featured Image Credit: Sky Sports/PA

Topics: Football, Harry Kane, Racism, England, Football World Cup, Raheem Sterling, Jude Bellingham