Hungary fans banned from Poland qualifier after Wembley clashes

[November 02, 2021] 

(Reuters) - Hungary fans will be barred from attending their team's final World Cup qualifier away to Poland following clashes with police https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/

sports/hungary-fans-fight-with-police-inside-wembley-2021-10-12 during last month's group game against England at Wembley Stadium, world soccer's governing body (FIFA) said on Monday.

Police clash with Hungary fans during the match Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine/File Photo

Britain's Metropolitan Police said the violence broke out after the alleged racial abuse of a steward in the Group I qualifier on Oct. 12 that ended in a 1-1 draw.

FIFA on Monday listed the "lighting of fireworks and lack of order in the stadium -- improper conduct by spectators" as the reasons for banning Hungary fans for the Warsaw game on Nov. 15.

They also fined the Hungarian Football Federation 75,000 Swiss Francs ($82,309.04).

In September, FIFA had asked Hungary to play two games behind closed doors following the racism faced by England players in their clash in Budapest.

Hungary are fourth in Group I with 11 points from eight games, nine points adrift of leaders England and six behind Poland.

($1 = 0.9112 Swiss francs)

(Reporting by Dhruv Munjal in Bengaluru; Editing by Ken Ferris)

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