Hungary facing Uefa probe over allegations of vile racist and homophobic chanting by fans during Euro 2020

UEFA is probing alleged racism and homophobia by Hungarian fans during Euro 2020 games in Budapest.

French black players were subjected to monkey chants during Saturday’s 1-1 draw.

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That followed claims of homophobic chants through last week’s defeat by Portugal.

Budapest’s Puskas Arena is the only stadium at the tournament operating at full capacity, with crowds of 60,000.

But right-wing and self-proclaimed Nazi groups are among Hungary’s most fervent supporters.

One large group held a march protesting against anti-rascism gestures last week.

And before the France game, thousands of Hungary fans set off flares and unveiled an anti-kneeling banner in the streets of Budapest.

A number of reports in French media highlighted the racism directed at Paul Pogba, N’golo Kante, Kylian Mbappe and other black players.

That forced Uefa into action.

A Uefa statement announced: “In accordance with Article 31(4) of the Uefa Disciplinary Regulations, an Uefa Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector has been appointed to conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding potential discriminatory incidents which occurred in the Puskas Arena, Budapest, during the 2020 European Championship group stage matches between the national teams of Hungary and Portugal on 15 June 2021 and between the national teams of Hungary and France played on 19 June 2021.

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“Information on this matter will be made available in due course.”

The issue is a significant cloud over the tournament and makes it even more unlikely that Uefa will take the semi-finals and Final away from Wembley and move the games to Budapest.

Uefa and the UK Government are in discussions over demands for 2,500 sponsors, VIPs and media to avoid mandatory 10-day quarantine periods.

It is expected that a compromise will be found with Uefa reluctant to switch the final three games at such a late stage.

But Uefa wishes for foreign fans to be accommodated by observing 24-hour travel “bubbles” seem less likely to be met at this stage.

Although Euro chiefs would prefer overseas fans to be allowed into the UK, it is not believed an inability to reach agreement will be a deal-breaker.

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