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FA and Football Supporters' Federation condemn chants by some England fans in Germany

General view prior to the international friendly match between Germany and England at Signal Iduna Park
Image: The Football Supporters' Federation has condemned the vile chants sung by some England fans during Wednesday night's international with Germany

The Football Association has joined the Football Supporters' Federation in condemning chants sung by some England fans during their international with Germany.

England's 1-0 defeat in Dortmund was marred by supporters who booed the German national anthem and then sang distasteful songs referencing the First and Second World Wars.

FA chairman Greg Clarke has described the chants as "disappointing". He said: "The behaviour of a section of the England support in Dortmund last night was 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. 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.

Gareth Southgate gives his England team instructions during the international friendly match against Germany
Image: England boss Gareth Southgate urged travelling fans to support their side in the right way

"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."

England were narrowly beaten courtesy of Lukas Podolski's second half-goal, and although it was a night of promise for a young side on the field, off it the actions of some fans in the away end left a black mark against England's name.

An FSF spokesperson 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.

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Lukas Podolski is thrown in the air by his team-mates after playing his final game for Germany
Image: Lukas Podolski is thrown in the air by his team-mates after playing his final game for Germany

"Unfortunately, little of the wit and imagination that goes into our club football songs is reflected at England games.

"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 that reputation is tarnished by the actions of a minority."

An England fan in Dortmund called on the Football Association to take action in a bid to cut out obscene chanting.

The fan, who wished to remain anonymous, told Press Association Sport: "The FA has to start being much more proactive on this stuff, it's been getting worse over the last couple of years.

"It's all well and good issuing banning orders for being drunk at a game back home, but there are some seriously disgusting people that are still allowed to associate themselves with the travelling fan base."

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England manager Gareth Southgate says he is likely to use the 3-4-2-1 formation England adopted in their 1-0 defeat to Germany in future matches

England manager Gareth Southgate was asked about the songs in the post-match press conference, and urged the travelling fans to support their side in the right way.

"To be honest, I didn't hear what was said but it has been mentioned to me," he said. "Obviously our travelling support in terms of number and the way they back the team is brilliant.

"We would encourage them to do that in the right way at all times."

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