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Hungary fined by FIFA, handed stadium ban for racist behavior
Raheem Sterling of England is jeered by the Hungary fans during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers match at Stadium Puskas Ferenc. Photo by MB Media/Getty Images

Hungary fined by FIFA, handed stadium ban for racist behavior from supporters against England

Hungary have been fined $216,000 and ordered to play behind closed doors after England players were subject to racist abuse from Hungarian supporters in a World Cup qualifier earlier this month, FIFA announced Tuesday.

"FIFA's position remains firm and resolute in rejecting any form of racism and violence as well as any other form of discrimination or abuse. FIFA takes a clear zero tolerance stance against such abhorrent behaviour in football."

FIFA launched an investigation after monkey chants were aimed at England players Raheem Sterling and Jude Bellingham during a 4-0 win over Hungary in Budapest. 

FIFA handed down a two-match stadium ban at home for Hungarian supporters in FIFA competitions, with the second match suspended for a probationary period of two years, per Sky Sports.

In addition to chants, England players were booed for taking a knee before the match to bring attention to the fight against racial inequality. They were also pelted with cups thrown from the crowd after Sterling opened the scoring. 

This isn't the first time England players have been subject to racist abuse this year. After Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho all missed their penalty kicks against Italy during the Euro 2020 final, they were pelted with racial abuse online. 

Erin Walsh

Erin Walsh is a Boston sports fan through and through. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bridgewater State University and currently is in pursuit of her Master's Degree in Journalism from Northeastern University. Follow her on Twitter @ewalsh90

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