Soccer-Fans booing players taking a knee show racism still a problem -Henderson

(Reuters) - England midfielder Jordan Henderson said fans who booed players for taking a knee before matches proved racism was still an issue and that the team will continue to take a stand during the European Championship.

There were jeers from a small section of spectators at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough when players took the knee before England's friendly wins over Austria and Romania last weekend.

"It shows that if there are still people booing because we're standing together against racism, then there still is a problem and we've still got to fight it and stand together," Henderson said before Sunday's opener against Croatia.

"From our side, it's about being together and doing what we think is right."

In an open letter to fans on Wednesday, coach Gareth Southgate said that his team will not "just stick to football" during the Euros and that it was his responsibility to put debates such as racial awareness in the spotlight.

England, semi-finalists at the 2018 World Cup, face Scotland on June 18 and the Czech Republic four days later after playing Croatia, with all games being held at Wembley.

A similar incident occurred in Hungary before Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Ireland.

Ireland coach Stephen Kenny condemned the "incomprehensible" behaviour of the fans who booed his players for taking a knee before the game in Budapest.

While Ireland players took a knee, the Hungary team stood and pointed to their sleeves, which had European soccer governing body UEFA's 'respect' badge.

"The fact it was booed is incomprehensible really, and it must be damaging for Hungary, with the Euros in Hungary," said Kenny.

Budapest is one of 11 host cities for the Euros, which begin on June 11.

"It's disappointing and it doesn't reflect well on Hungary really, on Hungarian support," he added.

The Hungarian Football Federation (MLSZ) said before the game its players would not take a knee "to express its condemnation of any form of hatred, but will instead find other ways".

"The Hungarian national team not only follows the international rules and norms in every case, but also respects everyone, be they an opponent, a fan or anyone else," the MLSZ said on its website.

"The rules of UEFA and FIFA do not allow politicisation on the pitch or in the stadium, values which the MLSZ not only accepts but also agrees with."

(Reporting by Manasi Pathak and Marton Dunai; Editing by Stephen Coates, Peter Rutherford and Hugh Lawson)