‘Absolute joke’: Southgate hits out at the England fans who booed Harry Maguire

Gareth Southgate vented his disgust at the England fans who booed Harry Maguire before the 3-0 friendly win over Ivory Coast, calling their actions “an absolute joke”.

Maguire’s struggles with Manchester United had been a hot topic in the buildup to this international break and there were boos from sections of the crowd when his name was read out before kick-off, with further jeering upon his first few touches of the ball.

The defender made light of it with a composed performance, which included roles in England’s first two goals, and his manager left no doubt that he thought the abuse was unacceptable.

“I thought the reception was a joke,” Southgate said. “An absolute joke. I don’t get it. What he has done for us is phenomenal.

“We’re either all in this together or we’re not. He’s in an England shirt and not only should you support a player in an England shirt regardless but, when you have played to the level he has and put in the performances he has, it should be total commitment.

“The team are totally united and we recognise everyone has difficult moments, and he will come through it. They are real England fans and some are influenced by, I don’t know, social media or ex-players influencing opinion. It has never been acceptable. Why are players going to play any better? Fans should get behind their team.”

Southgate also expressed concern that the supporters’ reaction could have a wider effect. “Don’t think that some of the other players wouldn’t be looking at that thinking: ‘That could be me one day’,” he said. “That’s been one of the problems with playing for England. How that is going to benefit anybody I really don’t understand.”

Jack Grealish, who set up England’s second goal for Raheem Sterling, echoed