There were gory, puking sights on Thursday night in Budapest, when Hungary hosted England in a qualifying match for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, as sections of the home fans were seen meting out racial chants against their visitors.
The game had already been flagged by FIFA as a red spot, due to Hungary's antecedents, hence, FIFA had sent two observers as is the new protocol since 2019 to watch the game and report situations like that.
Right from before the kick-off whistle was blown when the England players took a knee as has become customary in the global fight against racism, the Hungary players refused to take a knee. This was not a problem as taking a knee is not a compulsory gesture. The unpleasant one was the home fans booing the England players for taking a knee.
After scoring England's first goal of the encounter, Raheem Sterling celebrated by raising his shirt to reveal the message paying tribute to Steffie Gregg, his childhood friend and daughter of a racing driver, Gray Gregg, who passed out during the week from COVID-19. The Manchester City forward was pelted with plastic cups and monkey chants. Jack Grealish and Declan Rice tried to make light of the gory act by pretending to drink from those cups. There were really sorry sights.
As if that was not enough, 18-year old Jude Bellingham, was also jeered while he was warming up. The Borussia Dortmund whizkid waved and clapped back at them with a smile instead, a reaction that has been praised as "mature" from all quarters.
UEFA had in July banned Hungary to play three matches behind closed door for similar actions during their group stage matches at Euros 2020. The ban could not take effect in the tie against England, which was a FIFA competition game. However, knowing the precedents, UEFA could have made the request to FIFA to play the game behind closed doors, but didn't. One begins to wonder whose cause UEFA is truly fighting.
During the Euro 2020 qualifiers, England players were also subjected to racial attacks in Bulgaria and Montenegro.
Not to absorb the Hungarians of their devilish act, the English fans are themselves complicit in this, having booed their own team during warm-up games for Euro 2020 for taking the knee. More unfortunately, they showed the world their ugly side in the aftermath of their penalty shootout loss to Italy in the final of the Euros, racially attacking Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka - all black players who missed their spot kicks in the shootout as Italy triumphed.
Why does FIFA, and even UEFA keep doling out paltry stadium bans to fans who are involved in this ungodly act? Suspending teams to playing behind closed doors?
It is only a stupid to keep doing the same thing over and again, and expect different results. It's high time both bodies move to banning countries from tournaments. I see no reason why Hungary should even still continue to participate in their competitions.
For a start, teams whose fans are found wanting should be banned from participating in the World Cup or any UEFA-related tournaments. Unrepentant culprits should get their countries banned for life. They should work with the right authorities and see to the possible imprisonment of those involved in this.
We can't continue harbour this rot. Players can't continue to go into games with one mind on playing football and the other waiting to be attacked by opposing and even sometimes, their own fans.
UEFA and FIFA''s handling of these situations have elicited lack of confidence by fans in their abilities to ensure justice and the right thing is done.
They should stop barking without biting. They should grow teeth and bite, if that's the only language racial bigots understand. This shouldn't continue and we expect to experience continuous peace.
In whatever manner or way, say no to racism and vehemently kick against it whenever you can.
#NoToRacism
#FootballOverRace
#LoveAlwaysWins
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