Banthem all
Mount wants racist thugs hammered
MASON MOUNT has called on FIFA to issue bans after England’s stars were targeted by disgraceful racist abuse.
FIFA have launched a fullscale probe into the ugly scenes in Budapest on Thursday after England players and FA staff submitted written evidence after their 4-0 World Cup qualifying win.
Sub Jude Bellingham was targeted as he warmed up on the touchline at the Puskas Arena while monkey chants and gestures were made towards Raheem Sterling.
There is also huge frustration that it was able to happen amid a political row between FIFA and UEFA saw fans allowed into the stadium even though Hungary have been given a stadium ban for racism and homophobic behaviour during the Euros.
That left the England players disgusted and now Chelsea star Mount has spoken out in the strongest possible terms to call for action.
He said: “We obviously have had it in the past and it is a disgrace how it keeps on happening.
“Consequences need to take place and the FA will be speaking to FIFA about it and hopefully it keeps getting put to them and they hand out bans but it needs to stop and we need to get this out of football.”
It is understood there were crowd spotters in the stadium supplied by antiracism group FARE who have now also submitted a full report. Players have complained they were pelted with coins, plastic cups and Hungary are almost certain to face a separate charge because a flare was let off during the game.
Immediately after the game, England players were unsure what had been abuse and what was booing.
But Gareth Southgate took longer in the dressing room than usual to speak to the players and listen to what they had heard. And video footage has now been reviewed in which it is understood the monkey chants and gestures were very clear. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham was also in attendance and the FA are pushing for action. But there’s a realisation that Hungary are awaiting the outcome and punishment from UEFA after the shameful scenes at the Euros in July. Hungary fans booed the taking of the knee before the game and there are fears that the same will happen in Poland next week.
There were loud jeers and boos during the game but players said the mood got nastier after Sterling’s opener and his celebration.
The players did not walk off as many did not hear it but would have the full support of the FA if they decided to take that action next week.
The row between FIFA and UEFA has also played a part as there is frustration that Hungary’s two-game stadium ban was not imposed immediately, but it has been put on hold until next year as the Euros is a UEFA competition and World Cup qualifiers are under FIFA’s rules.
However, the real impact of an immediate ban which would have spared England players from abuse, has potentially been lost.