FA chairman comdemns 'inappropriate, disrespectful' behaviour of some England fans

England's 1-0 defeat in Dortmund was marred by supporters booing the German national anthem and singing distasteful songs referencing the First and Second World Wars.

FA chairman comdemns 'inappropriate, disrespectful' behaviour of some England fans

English Football Association chairman Greg Clarke has condemned the "inappropriate, disrespectful and disappointing" behaviour of some England fans in Germany on Wednesday night.

England's 1-0 defeat in Dortmund was marred by supporters booing the German national anthem and singing distasteful songs referencing the First and Second World Wars

The FA and police are to review video footage in a bid to identify, and potentially ban, those involved.

Clarke said: "The behaviour of a section of the England support in Dortmund last night was inappropriate, disrespectful and disappointing.

"The FA has consistently urged supporters to show respect and not to chant songs that could be regarded as insulting to others.

"Individuals who engage in such behaviour do not represent the overwhelming majority of England fans nor the values and identity we should aspire to as a football nation.

"We are working with the England Supporters Travel Club and speaking with the Football Supporters' Federation to come together to address this issue.

"Everyone involved in the game has a responsibility to ensure that attending a football match is a safe and enjoyable experience for all."

The match, which was settled by Lukas Podolski's second-half goal, went ahead just hours after the Westminster terror attack.

And although It was a night of promise for a young Three Lions side on the field, off it the actions of some fans in the away end left a black mark against England's name.

A Football Supporters' Federation spokesperson said: "Over the last 20 years English football fans have built a worldwide reputation for our passionate support and the vocal backing we give to our teams.

"Unfortunately, little of the wit and imagination that goes into our club football songs is reflected at England games.

"England's travelling support is made of people of all ages from a range of clubs, many of whom have worked hard in recent years to improve our standing abroad and have expressed concern to us about these chants.

"We don't want to regress to a situation where that reputation is tarnished by the actions of a minority."

An England fan in Dortmund claimed FA action to cut out obscene chanting was long overdue.

The fan, who wished to remain anonymous, told Press Association Sport: "The FA has to start being much more proactive on this stuff, it's been getting worse over the last couple of years.

"It's all well and good issuing banning orders for being drunk at a game back home, but there are some seriously disgusting people that are still allowed to associate themselves with the travelling fan base."

England manager Gareth Southgate was asked about the songs in the post-match press conference, and urged the travelling fans to support their side in the right way.

"To be honest, I didn't hear what was said but it has been mentioned to me," he said.

"Obviously our travelling support in terms of number and the way they back the team is brilliant.

"We would encourage them to do that in the right way at all times."

more courts articles

Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman
Coronation Street actor William Roache (91) given three months to settle tax debt Coronation Street actor William Roache (91) given three months to settle tax debt

More in this section

Republic of Ireland Training Session O'Shea and Kerr get to work as new Ireland era begins
Old Trafford file photo Two Man Utd fans arrested following tragedy chanting during Liverpool FA Cup tie
Republic of Ireland U21 Training Session Amid his coaching journey, Paul McShane sensing change at Man Utd
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited