Hungary Government Condemns Anti-Semitic Display At Football Match

  • 23 Aug 2012 9:00 AM
Hungary Government Condemns Anti-Semitic Display At Football Match
The government of Hungary most firmly condemns the conduct of supporters who disrupted the Hungary-Israel friendly football match at Budapest’s Puskás Ferenc stadium on August 15, the spokesman’s office said in a Tuesday statement.

Hungarian fans waved Palestinian and Iranian flags, shouted anti-Semitic insults, and many in the stands turned their backs as the Israeli national anthem was played, while others remained seated.

The spokesman said the government defends constitutional rights in each and every case to the greatest extent, and firmly acts against all racial and religious discrimination.

However, the statement said the government has no legal basis for action against the “extremist behaviour”.

The cabinet approaches all the peoples of the world with openness and peace and asks the same of all Hungarian people, the statement said.

The Hungarian Football Association will address the matter at a meeting today.
Association president Erik Bánki told HVG that “such behaviour is not acceptable in a stadium nor anyplace else”.

The Hungarian supporters allegedly included Jobbik MP Tibor Bana, who waved an Iranian flag.

The cabinet waited a week to respond to the anti-Semitic actions, Népszava comments.

Source: Hungary Around the Clock

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