Southgate slams ‘JOKE’ pundits and commentators for ‘ridiculous’ treatment of Maguire after he was targeted by Scotland fans
GARETH SOUTHGATE vehemently defended Harry Maguire as he described the “ridiculous treatment” and criticism he faced as “a joke”.
The 30-year-old defender came on as a substitute in last night’s 3-1 win against Scotland, earning his 59th cap for England.
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The Manchester United star’s inclusion in the squad was questioned by many as he was not a starter at club level.
But having played a huge role in helping the Three Lions reach the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of Euro 2020, he remains a key man for Southgate.
Scotland fans cheered his arrival on the pitch at Hampden Park yesterday and then applauded his every touch.
And things got even worse for Maguire when he scored an own goal midway through the second half.
And afterward, his manager was quick to defend his player for the ridiculous scrutiny and criticism he received.
Southgate said: “I have never seen a player treated the way he is.
“He has been an absolute support for us in the second most successful English team for decades – he was an absolutely important part of it.
“I spoke about the importance of our senior players, he was crucial to that.
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“Every time he steps on the pitch the resilience he shows is absolutely incredible. He’s a top player and we’re all on his side and our fans have been great with him.”
Maguire, who was stripped of United’s captaincy this summer and has also been heavily linked with a move to West Ham, has only played once for the club this season as a substitute against Arsenal.
It was another tough night for the ex-Leicester City player north of the border, but the traveling England fans showed their support for him by chanting his name after his setback.
Southgate added: “From the Scottish fans’ point of view I understand it. I have absolutely no complaints about what they did.
“But it is a result of the ridiculous treatment he has suffered over a long period of time.
“It’s a joke. Not from the Scottish fans but from our own commentators, pundits or whatever.
“You have created something that is beyond anything I have ever seen.
“I think our fans realized, ‘Okay, our own fans might be a little heated, but we’re not going to let other people get involved with him’.”
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