Gareth Southgate has slammed the fans who booed Manchester United defender Harry Maguire during England’s match against the Ivory Coast last night.
England won 3-0 due to goals from Ollie Watkins, Raheem Sterling, and Tyrone Mings, but the game was dominated by a rude greeting for Manchester United star Maguire.
Southgate said that the 29-year-old had not had the perfect season at Old Trafford, but he was clearly furious to witness England fans booing his own player.
The manager also went on to say that social media, as well as former players acting like pundits, was influencing some supporters to openly criticize Maguire.
After the final whistle, England manager Gareth Southgate delivered an impassioned interview to Sky Sports in which he was more than eager to defend Maguire.
Enjoyable week playing for my country 🏴❤️ pic.twitter.com/8oHZiOlhpe
— Harry Maguire (@HarryMaguire93) March 30, 2022
He said:
“I thought the reception was a joke. An absolute joke. What he’s done for us and the way he has performed for England has been phenomenal. I don’t get it. We’re either all in this together or we’re not. He’s in an England shirt and not only should you support someone in an England shirt regardless but when he’s played at the level he has, it should be total commitment behind him. So, I don’t get it.”
“They are real England fans. And some are influenced by whatever, I don’t know if it’s social media, players that have played previously that are influencing opinion… Obviously, his club situation is difficult but he’s in an England shirt.”
“I remember a few decades ago when some players were booed in an England shirt – it’s never been acceptable. I’ve never got it. Why would people play any better? Fans should always get behind their team.”
Even with all of Maguire’s flak, the reaction to his name being read out before kickoff was surprising. Yes, Maguire has been going through a rough patch and there are reasons to believe he should have been benched, but does that mean some of his own fans should be booing him?
And England manager Gareth Southgate was well aware that the boos were not at all meaningful after a week in which he openly praised a player who shined for his country at Euro 2020 and the 2018 World Cup.
Maguire’s future for Manchester United and England is a valid topic of debate, and there’s reason to believe he’ll need time away from the squad to get back his form.
It’s tough to listen to the nasty chants he received from certain spectators under the Wembley arch without thinking that the criticism directed at him is too much.
