Budapest (AP) – Vice European champions England suffered a defeat in Hungary at the start of the Nations League. Coach Gareth Southgate’s team lost 0-1 (0-0) in Budapest.
Hungary thus provided the first sign of respect in the German group three before the DFB selection game in Italy. Bundesliga professional Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig converted a not uncontroversial penalty kick in the 66th minute to win the strong hosts. Hungary will host the DFB team next Saturday, before England have to play in Munich on Tuesday.
Despite the ban on spectators because of the discriminatory behavior of the Hungarian fans, the Puskás Aréna was well filled. According to the regulations of the European Football Union UEFA, children up to the age of 14 may enter the stadium for closed-door games if they are invited and accompanied by an adult. According to media reports, more than 30,000 visitors were registered before the game.
When the English team got on their knees just before kick-off as usual in a sign against racism, boos could be heard. Because of the discriminatory behavior of its fans in the European Championship games against Portugal, France and Germany, Hungary’s national team was sentenced to two UEFA home games without spectators. A probation period of two years applies to a third game.
The English will also have to play their first home game in the Nations League on June 11 in Wolverhampton against Italy without a spectator. The association was sentenced to do this a year ago because of the riots surrounding the European Championship final. The UEFA regulations for children visiting the stadium should also be applied, and between 2,000 and 3,000 fans are expected.