Sept 13 (Reuters) - England manager Gareth Southgate defended Harry Maguire after Scotland fans sarcastically mocked the defender, who scored an own goal in a friendly on Tuesday which England won 3-1 at Hampden Park.
The Manchester United defender inadvertently handed Scotland a lifeline by clumsily prodding a low cross into his own net in the 67th minute.
"There has been ridiculous treatment of him for a long period of time, frankly," Southgate said after the match.
The 30-year-old Maguire was stripped of the captaincy by his club Manchester United in July and has struggled for first-team football at Old Trafford.
Nonetheless, Southgate underlined his importance for England, with the centre back having featured in all of their Euro 2024 qualifying matches.
Persons:
Gareth Southgate, Harry Maguire, Maguire, Marc Guehi, Southgate, I’ve, they've, I've, He's, Tommy Lund, Toby Davis
Organizations:
Scotland, England, Hampden, Scottish, Manchester United, Old, Thomson
Locations:
England, Old Trafford, Gdansk