FIFA condemns crowd trouble at Wembley Stadium after Hungary fans clash with police during England game
Clashes broke out in the away end during the 1-1 draw, with officers using batons in an attempt to control the crowd after officers entered the stand to arrest an individual for a racially aggravated public order offence in relation to comments directed at a steward.
Wednesday 13 October 2021 13:22, UK
Football's governing body FIFA has condemned the fan disturbances at Wembley Stadium during England's World Cup qualifier against Hungary.
Boos could be heard from the away section as England players took the knee to show support in the fight against racism before kick-off yesterday evening.
Clashes also broke out in the away end, with officers using batons in an attempt to control the crowd after officers entered the stand to arrest an individual for a racially aggravated public order offence in relation to comments directed at a steward.
The Metropolitan Police described what happened as a "minor disorder".
There were also fan incidents in Albania's home match against Poland, which was temporarily suspended after bottles were thrown on to the pitch after Kaol Swiderski scored for Poland late in the second half.
FIFA said in a statement that it is "currently analysing reports of last night's FIFA World Cup qualifier matches in order to determine the most appropriate action".
It said: "FIFA strongly condemns the incidents at England v Hungary and Albania v Poland and would like to state that its position remains firm and resolute in rejecting any form of violence as well as any form of discrimination or abuse.
"FIFA has a very clear zero-tolerance stance against such abhorrent behaviour in football."
The incident at Wembley comes just a month after England players Raheem Sterling and Jude Bellingham were targeted by monkey chants in Budapest.
Hungary was ordered to play two home matches behind closed doors, one suspended for two years.
In July, European football's governing body, UEFA, imposed a two-match stadium ban on the Hungarian federation following an investigation into the behaviours of supporters during Euro 2020 marches in Budapest and Munich.
UEFA's sanctions will take effect in June 2022 during the Nations League games but the World Cup qualifiers come under FIFA's jurisdiction.