Liverpool duo Dominik Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez were relentlessly booed during Hungary's clash against Northern Ireland in Belfast. Local media even dubbed the Reds midfielder "big bad Dom" as the Hungarian press accused them of making him out to be "evil."
Hungary's Nations League campaign
Hungary's international break began last Friday with a Nations League B2 group clash against Ukraine in Budapest. Both Szoboszlai and Kerkez played every minute as they fell 1-0 to Ukraine, who were reduced to 10 men in second-half stoppage time.
The Liverpool pair then jetted off to Belfast to face Northern Ireland and the home side failed to break them down, with the cagey tie ending 0-0. But whilst the game lacked goals, there was plenty of animosity and some perceived play-acting from the visitors.
Booing and criticism
Home fans jeered the Hungarian players, specifically Szoboszlai and Kerkez, which, as suggested by a report in The Irish News, was down to their Liverpool allegiances. The report has caused a stir back in Hungary for how it depicts the pair, Szoboszlai in particular, and for hinting that it is tradition at Windsor Park to boo any opposing Reds stars who take to the field.
The article reads: "Some traditions are worth preserving, even I'll admit. One of those is the relentless booing of Liverpool players, even before they do anything wrong."
Left-back Milos Kerkez got some early 'treatment' as Paddy Kelly put in an excellent first half on the NI right. Such was the hosts' superiority that when skipper Szoboszlai tried to get his Hungary team going, he had to drop back to the edge of his own box to receive the ball.
"He was more successful at riling the home support, with a series of complaints to the referee, so when the Anfield star went to take a corner at this Kop end the boos were deafening."
Shea Charles took ball and man – that man being Szoboszlai – in a challenge midway through the second half. Szoboszlai leapt to his feet and waved his arms, almost 'geeing' up the gleeful home support, rather than the very vocal travelling contingent who were in the corner on that North Stand side.
Reporting on the second half, it continued: "From the other flank 'big bad Dom' floated a cross-shot just high and wide of the angle of post and crossbar."
Manager's reaction
Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill was far from pleased with some of the Hungary stars either. He said post-match: "I was disappointed with some of the Hungarian players' behaviour on the pitch, holding their faces and screaming.
"Really, there was no need for that. It was an honest, competitive game. We didn't need the nature of the simulation or the antics. We want that away and out of the game. That's why the referee has to speed the game up."
In response, Hungarian outlet Csakfoci headlined a reaction to the criticism: "Booing 'the evil Szoboszlai' is a tradition, the Irish captain (Charles) was hung by 'the simulating Hungarians.'"
What's next for Hungary
Szoboszlai and Kerkez's Hungary face Georgia next, before facing Ukraine once more. They sit fourth in the group on a single point. Northern Ireland face Ukraine in Slovakia on Friday before playing Georgia again. They are second in the group with four points after besting Georgia 1-0 in Tbilisi on Friday.
