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England supporters involved in anti-German chants face ban from football

The Football Association are working with authorities to review video footage of the incidents

Friday 24 March 2017 10:45 GMT

England fans have been criticised for chanting a disgraceful song in reference to the First and Second World Wars (Reuters)

England fans involved in the anti-social behaviour which marred Wednesday’s international friendly against Germany could be banned from future matches.

Sections of the travelling support booed the German national anthem prior to England’s 1-0 defeat and then sang offensive songs which referenced the First and Second World Wars.

The Football Association, English football’s governing body, are now reviewing video footage with the UK Football Policing Unit to identify those involved.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

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Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Marc-Andre ter Stegen – 6 out of 10

Rash when coming out to challenge Vardy early on, but stood firm to block Alli’s decent chance towards the end of the first half.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Joshua Kimmich – 7 out of 10

One of the few young German players to have a decent evening and potentially sent a message to Carlo Ancelotti, who has not offered him much playing time this season.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Mats Hummels – 7 out of 10

Germany’s best all-round performer, rarely looked troubled by England’s attacking talents.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Antonio Rudiger – 6 out of 10

A solid display, if unspectacular. Did well on the rare occasions when England went aerial.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Jonas Hector – 7 out of 10

Impressed after taking his time to grow into the game. His link-up play with Sane in the second-half was at the root of all England’s problems.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Julian Weigl – 5 out of 10

The main culprit in Germany’s surprising struggle to who Hauled off for Liverpool’s Emre Can midway through the second half.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Toni Kroos – 5 out of 10

Surprisingly poor when it came to the simple stuff, misplaced several passes when not under pressure. Struggled to win his battle against the lesser light of Livermore.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Leroy Sane – 6 out of 10

Did not crackle like we know he can from his recent Manchester City form, but another who improved as the evening went on. Perhaps should’ve doubled Germany’s lead.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Julian Brandt – 4 out of 10

Another player reportedly attracting Premier League interest, he did not show why here. Switched for Andre Schurrle.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Lukas Podolski – 6 out of 10

The equivalent of a testimonial for the veteran and you could tell from his first-half performance. Then came Der Hammer, as Germany’s support calls his left peg. A stunning winner.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Timo Werner – 4 out of 10

The RB Leipzig frontman, a reported target for Liverpool, failed to translate his exciting form at club level to the international stage. Disappointing, but it was only his debut.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Joe Hart – 7 out of 10

Could do little for Podolski’s goal, but did well shortly after to deny Sane with an excellent stop down low to his left.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Gary Cahill – 4 out of 10

Lucky not to concede a penalty for needlessly leaning into a cross in the first-half and could have done better to stop Podolski’s screamer.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Michael Keane – 6 out of 10

Asked to play in a back three on his debut after excelling in a rigid four at Turf Moor all season, but coped admirably. One lapse in concentration was almost punished by Sane.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Chris Smalling – 5 out of 10

An indifferent night from the centre-half. Unlike Cahill, he was rarely called into question, but still did not convince.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Kyle Walker – 6 out of 10

Showed why he will be integral to Southgate’s England in his forays down the right flank, but only did so in glimpses. Hector and Sane began to cause him problems has the game went on.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Eric Dier – 6 out of 10

A lucky boy not to be severely punished for a late, robust tackle on Weigl. That aside, he helped to stifle Germany’s midfield.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Jake Livermore – 7 out of 10

Not everyone’s idea of a no 7, but combined well with Dier in the centre of the park to disrupt Germany’s passing, particularly in the first half.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Ryan Bertrand – 6 out of 10

Not as threatening as Walker was in moments, but defensively solid and frustrated Brandt in the first-half. Schurrle gave him a few more problems after the break.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Dele Alli – 7 out of 10

England’s main creative outlet, but also found himself on the end of several chances. Should have opened the scoring with the first-half’s best chance but hit it straight at Ter Stegen.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Adam Lallana – 7 out of 10

Came close to scoring in his fourth straight England appearance, but thwacked the post after an impressive burst forward.

Germany 1 England 0 player ratings

Jamie Vardy – 5 out of 10

Aggrieved to have not won a penalty early on, but you could tell he was looking for it. Too deep at times too, despite Germany’s defensive line offering him space in behind.

Members of the England Supporters Travel Club who took part will be banned from the group and potentially handed a Football Banning Order, preventing them from attending future matches.

On Thursday, the FA chairman Greg Clarke condemned the behaviour of some England supporters as “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,” Clarke said.

“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 Football Supporters’ Federation, which is part-funded by the FA, echoed Clarke’s sentiments in their condemnation of the anti-social behaviour.

A spokesperson for the organisation 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.

“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 our reputation is tarnished by the actions of a minority.”

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