Debutant Chiedozie Ogbene has called on UEFA to take action against nations like Hungary after the Republic of Ireland players were booed by a large section of the 10,000-strong crowd in Budapest over their decision to take a knee before last night’s international friendly.

Kenny’s side came away emboldened by an impressive display in a 0-0 draw in what was Hungary’s last game before the Euro 2020 finals, where they take on World Cup holders France and current European champions Portugal as well as Germany.

Shane Duffy won the man of the match award, keepers Gavin Bazunu and Caoimhín Kelleher pulled off a series of saves as they played 45 minutes each, while Rotherham United striker Ogbene made history as the Cork-raised forward became the first player born in Africa to win a senior cap for Ireland.

But the decision, agreed by the Irish players in advance of the game, to take a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter issue, while the Hungarian players stood and merely pointed to the ‘respect’ badge on their shirts as their FA had pledged not to take the knee, provoked boos from the home crowd.

Manager Kenny said the local reaction to the Irish stance was “incomprehensible” and said the issue “must be damaging for Hungary, with the Euros in Hungary. It’s disappointing and it doesn’t reflect well on Hungary and the Hungarian support. Our players wanted to do it, it’s an important stance and I commend them for taking that stance.”

Ogbene has asked for action from the authorities to support players who decide to take a knee in the face of opposition from other countries.

“I was obviously disappointed because we all go through different stories and different histories in our lives. This is something that black people have been fighting for many years discrimination and racism, there is no place in any sport, any place. I was quite disappointed, it is what it is, we stayed strong and I’m so happy that we as a team took the knee to show solidarity between us all,” said Ogbene, born in Lagos but raised in Cork, a former player with Cork City and Limerick as well as a one-time GAA prospect.

“I feel like the group we have, it is diverse and everyone is together, we hope that UEFA will take stricter action and find a solution. It is a difficult task because it has been going on for many years, we won’t find a result or solution overnight. I am so happy we continue to show how important it is to accept everyone for who they are and just educate people and I am so proud of the team,” added Ogbene, who admitted that the boos from the home fans left him “hoping to come on and get the opportunity to score in front of their fans”.

He added “Maybe it is the best thing that it didn’t happen because I might have let my emotions get the better of me with any sort of celebration I would have done”.