March 24 – The head of the English Football Association has condemned the “inappropriate, disrespectful and disappointing” behaviour of England fans at Wednesday night’s friendly in Germany yet refused to issue a direct apology.
England’s 1-0 defeat in Dortmund was marred by a section of England fans – who often claim they are provoked when there is trouble – booing the German national anthem and mimicking fighter planes with reference to the second world war.
“The behaviour of a section of the support in Dortmund was inappropriate, disrespectful and disappointing,” FA chairman Greg Clarke said.
“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.”
A spokesman for the Football Supporters’ Federation added: “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. We don’t want to regress to a situation where that reputation is tarnished by the actions of a minority.”
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