Gareth Southgate was accused of booing Harry Maguire by England fans on Tuesday night.
The Three Lions beat Ivory Coast 3-0 at Wembley Stadium in what was a dominating display for Southgate’s men. However, the result was overshadowed by Manchester United captain Maguire being booed by some of the home fans.
After the game, Southgate hit those who booed. “The reception was a joke, an absolute joke,” he explained.
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“I don’t know how it benefits anyone. Either we’re all in this together or we’re not.
“I imagine if you asked a few of them why they did it, they probably wouldn’t even be able to answer. That’s the mentality of the mob.”
Southgate’s anger was matched by Declan Rice and Harry Kane who came to their teammate’s defence. However, according to former Southampton striker Matt Le Tissier, the England boss is the one who should be blamed for the boos.
Posting on Twitter, Le Tissier said: “If Gareth Southgate doesn’t want fans booing his players he should stick to what he said when he took office, that he would choose players fit for their clubs. Oh and the fans paying their money to watch so they have the right to have an opinion I would say.”
Maguire has been the target of fan aggression on social media for his performances at Old Trafford this season. Earlier this month he was ironically cheered by the United faithful when he was substituted against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
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