Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny and striker Adam Idah have condemned the spectators who booed their team as they took a knee in Hungary.
The Irish players showed their support for footballs anti-racism campaign ahead of kick-off at a packed Szusza Ferenc Stadium in Budapest on Tuesday evening, but the gesture was not well received by many among the crowd.
Kenny admitted the jeers did not augur well for Hungary ahead of their Euro 2020 finals campaign, which kicks off against Portugal in Budapest next Tuesday.
Adam Idah was unhappy about players being booed for taking the knee (Trenka Atilla/PA)
Speaking after his sides 0-0 friendly draw, he said: I think it was the right decision. I approached [the Football Association of Irelands international operations manager] Barry Gleeson and said it was something we wanted to do, take the knee, and I think its a very important message.
The fact it was booed is incomprehensible, really, and it must be damaging for Hungary, with the Euros in Hungary. Its disappointing and it doesnt reflect well on Hungary, really, on Hungarian support. It doesnt reflect well.
Our players wanted to do it. Its important. Its an important stance and I commend them for taking that stance.
Norwich frontman Idah also expressed his disappointment at the boos.
He said: Obviously, its disappointing to see the fans and the whole stadium booing us taking the knee.
Been a hell of a trip with the boys enjoyed every minute of the 10 days with everyone ! Two positive results to build on and we kick on in September @fairelandpic.twitter.com/w89xsoxgNe
Shane Duffy (@shaneduffy) June 8, 2021
Its for a good cause, trying to stop racism. Its a sign to kick racism out of society and the reaction was very disappointing to be honest. We werent expecting that.
The incident in Hungary came after some England fans booed their own team as they took a knee ahead of their warm-up games against Austria and Romania.
If there was disappointment within the Ireland camp at what transpired in Hungary, they did not let it affect them with young black players Gavin Bazunu and Idah and substitute Chiedozie Ogbene, who became the first African-born player to represent the Republic, receiving particular praise from Kenny.
The manager said: They are well capable of speaking for themselves theyre educated individuals, theyre very well capable of speaking for themselves.
Marco Rossis side have now gone 11 games unbeaten (Trenka Atilla/PA)
But theyre a credit to Ireland, to the Irish football team. Theyre going to be a big part of the Irish football team and were very proud theyre part of our team.
Asked about the booing, Hungary head coach Marco Rossi said: We always give everyone the utmost respect. This has been the case tonight and will not change in the future.
However, we need to ask them about the reasons for our fans behaviour.
Nineteen-year-old keeper Bazunu and half-time replacement Caoimhin Kelleher, 22, both made significant contributions, denying striker Adam Szalai three times between them before the Liverpool stopper kept out Attila Szalais late effort to ensure they left with something to show for their efforts.
Chiedozie Ogbene wants UEFA to take stronger actio…
Indeed, they might have condemned Rossis men to a first defeat in 11 games had John Egans early header not come back off the crossbar.
Kenny said: It was a tough game. We knew that Hungary had won their Nations League group, we were aware they had qualified for the Euros, beating Iceland.
This was a big game for them, going to the Euros, ground packed, so it was always going to be a difficult game. Our players were excellent overall. Their commitment and sense of team was very evident.