Ryan Giggs brush aside racism threat ahead of Hungary fixture

The European governing body UEFA has ordered a partial stadium closure following the behaviour of Hungary supporters against Slovakia in March.

The former Manchester United star player sidelined the threat of the Wales team becoming a target to racism in Hungary when they face the country's national team in the Euro 2020 qualifier on Tuesday.

The match is to be held in Budapest's Groupama arena and UEFA has ordered to cordon of 3,000 seats as a precaution for the tie. This precaution was taken as a result of rowdy fans disrupting the Hungarian tie against Slovakia in March. 

The governing body had booked Hungary for racist behaviour of fans, vandalism, the setting off of fireworks and the throwing of objects apart from being levied a fine of over £20,000. Charges of throwing objects were scrapped.

“There will be less fans in the stadium, but I understand it’s a very good atmosphere,” said Giggs in a press conference.

“I’ve talked before about sanctions on racism not being strong enough. They need to be stronger, but for me it’s all about concentrating on the game."

“I’ve got enough to worry about with winning this game. We hope all the fans behave as always.”

UEFA have also forced Hungary to hang an anti-discrimination banner in the seats behind the goalposts in the stadium which is to have the barred 3,000 seats.

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Giggs also spoke about his star forward, Gareth Bale and his dubious form. The Real Madrid winger hasn't netted since March and has lost his first team spot in the Los Blancos. Falling out with Zinedine Zidane added to his woes and his future at Madrid is shaky.

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However, Giggs spoke out in defence for his star player. “I was happy with Gareth’s performance in Croatia, he had a couple of chances and on another day they go in. “It was his first game in six weeks, we had a great build-up in Portugal and a great week at Colliers Park (their training facility in Wrexham).

“Gareth grew into the game, not playing for six weeks that might be understandable. Hopefully’s he’s saving it for Hungary.”