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FA chairman Greg Clarke condemns England fans' chants vs. Germany

Football Association chairman Greg Clarke has condemned the "inappropriate, disrespectful and disappointing" behaviour of some England supporters during Wednesday's friendly against Germany in Dortmund.

Distasteful chanting was heard during the friendly, in which Lukas Podolski's superb strike secured the hosts a 1-0 win for the hosts.

After the German national anthem was booed, songs referencing the First and Second World Wars were audible, mostly in the first half.

Clarke said: "The FA has consistently urged supporters to show respect and not chant songs that could be regarded as insulting to others.

"Individuals who engage in such behaviour do not represent the overwhelming majority of England fans, nor the values and identity we should aspire to as a football nation.

"Everyone involved in the game has a responsibility to ensure that attending a football match is a safe and enjoyable experience for all."

Coach Gareth Southgate was asked about the chants at his postmatch news conference.

"To be honest, I didn't hear what was said but it has been mentioned to me," he said.

"Obviously our travelling support in terms of number and the way they back the team is brilliant.

"We would encourage them to do that in the right way at all times."

The Football Supporters' Federation condemned the chants, with a spokesperson saying: "Over the last 20 years, English football fans have built a worldwide reputation for our passionate support and the vocal backing we give to our teams.

"Unfortunately, little of the wit and imagination that goes into our club football songs is reflected at England games.

"England's travelling support is made of people of all ages from a range of clubs, many of whom have worked hard in recent years to improve our standing abroad and have expressed concern to us about these chants.

"We don't want to regress to a situation where that reputation is tarnished by the actions of a minority."

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