Why were Hungary fans fighting at Wembley? Away supporters pictured clashing with police during England match

England took on Hungary in the second leg of their World Cup qualifying matches, however the ease they found against Hungary six weeks ago was not the same as what they experienced last night.

A stronger Hungarian team came on to the pitch surprising the group leaders England and eventually held England to a 1-1 draw.

Hungary’s Roland Sallai opened up the scoring after taking a penalty in the 24th minute of the match before England’s John Stones evened out the score 13 minutes later.

Despite the first half of the match being full of scoring drama and attempts, it was unfortunately overshadowed by disruption at the away end of the Wembley Stadium.

What happened during the England match?

It seemed likely that turmoil would ensue after Hungarian fans booed the England players when they took the knee - a gesture of anti-racism and equality for all.

Hungarian fans were also seen holding up an anti-kneeling banner, and it was not long after the first whistle that the fighting started.

The Metropolitan police were called to the stands where the majority of Hungarian fans were situated.

The police quickly became involved in clashes with Hungary’s black-shirted ultras and officers appeared to be using batons in an effort to quell the disruption, but they were however overwhelmed and forced back on to the concourse.

Is this the first time Hungarian fans have caused disruption?

Hungary were already under scrutiny following the horrendous abuse that was subjected to England players in Budapest in the first leg. Raheem Sterling and Jude Bellingham were victims of racially targeted abuse as Hungarian fans hurled cups at them as well as shouting monkey chants.

As a result, FIFA ordered Hungary to pay a £158,000 fine and were made to play last Saturday’s match against Albania behind closed doors.

That punishment came after incidents of racism and homophobia at the Euros 2020 led to Hungary being forced to play their next three UEFA home competition games behind closed doors.

These sanctions have clearly done little to deter Hungarian fans as they continued to involve themselves in disorder and FIFA is likely to launch yet another investigation in connection with the trouble that broke out during the first 10 minutes of play.

Why were many Hungarian fans in Black t-shirts?

The Black T-shirt is a symbol of an allegiance to the Carpathian Brigade - a group of right-wing extremists and self-proclaimed Nazi supporters.

Black t-shirted fans have been spotted at Hungarian matches for decades, however Ultra hooligans are becoming increasingly more present due to the state’s current nationalist leaders.

The Carpathian Brigade was formed in 2009 and they are an umbrella group of Hungary’s most hardcore football fans, drawn from different clubs within Budapest and across the county.

Speaking to Joe, Hungarian journalist Csaba Toth explained: “The group exists as a government-backed attempt at uniting club hooligans to influence them not to be too radical, and only endorse central government messages.

“They are told not to express neo-Nazi sentiment. Instead, their fervour is channelled towards more subtle government propaganda lines like homophobia, transphobia and anti-Black Lives Matter.”

What has been said since the incidents?

Marco Rossi, the Hungarian manager has said little on the incident: “I don’t want to comment on this situation. It is not my task. Everything I could say could be interpreted in a different way.”

England manager Gareth Southgate said that he was not aware of the severity of the disruption until after the match.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live after the final whistle, Southgate said: “I’m only hearing this as I’m doing the interviews. I was aware of a disturbance. It sounds like it was not acceptable but I haven’t seen the details.”

England defender Tyrone Mings spoke out, saying: “We’ve faced criticism for taking the knee and we have collectively stood passionately together. That has carried us as a squad. It doesn’t change when people hold banners or disagree.”

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