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FIFA fan ban for Hungary & Bulgaria due to racist and anti-Semitic abuse

Hungary fans chanting during the clash with Israel in Budapest last August
Hungary fans chanting during the clash with Israel in Budapest last August

FIFA have ordered Hungary and Bulgaria to each play their next home World Cup qualifiers behind closed doors following racist or anti-Semitic abuse by their fans.

The FIFA disciplinary committee found a group of Hungary supporters had chanted anti-Semitic abuse and displayed offensive symbols in their friendly against Israel in Budapest last August.

The committee also said a section of Bulgaria fans had racially abused Denmark player Patrick Mtiliga "each time he touched the ball" in a World Cup qualifier in October. Bulgaria fans also threw two fireworks on to the pitch.

FIFA said in a statement they had conducted an "extensive investigation" into the accusations against the Hungarian fans and its disciplinary committee members "were unanimous in condemning an abhorrent episode of racism, anti-Semitism, and of political provocative and aggressive nature perpetrated by supporters of the Hungarian national team".

It said the Hungarian Football Association had already acknowledged and regretted the behaviour.

On the Bulgarian fans, FIFA said "the offensive, denigratory and discriminatory actions of a small group of Bulgarian supporters was shameful and a clear breach of the FIFA disciplinary code."

A public address warning had to be given to the fans over their abuse of Mtiliga, but some could still be heard.

FIFA added: "In addition, the incendiary devices thrown, which can pose considerable threats to personal safety, are also not tolerated."

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