Ugly altercations between Hungary fans and officers from the Metropolitan Police marred England’s World Cup qualifier last night. In the second international at Wembley since outbreaks of violence at the Euro 2020 final between England and Italy in July, officers had to use batons to control Hungarian thugs. Gareth Southgate, the England manager, said the scenes were “unacceptable”.
The Met said that fighting broke out after officers attempted to arrest a Hungary fan for allegedly racially abusing a steward. There was an unpleasant atmosphere before kick-off, with about 800 away fans — many of whom are thought to be UK-based — booing England for taking the knee.
A flag was also unfurled objecting to the anti-racism gesture. Tyrone Mings, the England centre back, said that