Predictably vile behaviour from the home support
Raheem Sterling was pelted with plastic cups as he celebrated opening the scoring for England against Hungary in Thursday’s World Cup qualifier.
Harry Kane had missed a gilt-edged chance just moments before Sterling found himself in the right place at the right time to finish off a superb move down the left for England involving Jack Grealish and Mason Mount.
Sterling wheeled away in celebration, before taking his jersey off to unveil a heartfelt message on his undershirt that read: ‘Love You Forever, Steffie Gregg’ in memory of his friend who died at the age of 26 a few days ago.
But this huge moment for Sterling was somewhat soured by deafening boos from the home support, who also booed England’s players for taking the knee ahead of kick-off.
Those booing who were within reach of England’s star man also decided to throw plastic cups at him as he celebrated breaking the deadlock.
Brilliant work from Rice, Grealish and Mount in the build up to Sterling’s opening goal and a lovely finish 👏 pic.twitter.com/8J8DAbxMZu
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) September 2, 2021
Kane scored shortly afterwards but was not subject to such abuse. But when Harry Maguire made it 3-0 with a trademark header from a corner, the Hungarian fans also threw cups at the Man United captian.
This sort of behaviour should come as no surprise after the Hungary support were given a three match stadium ban for their behaviour at Euro 2020. What should be concerning is that the sanction does not apply to FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
