Gareth Southgate labels the ‘ridiculous treatment’ of Harry Maguire a ‘JOKE’ as the defender is heckled by Scottish fans throughout the second half at Hampden Park… after scoring an own goal during England’s 3-1 win

Gareth Southgate has labeled the saga of ridicule that has engulfed Harry Maguire’s career as ‘a joke’.

Maguire was mobbed by Scotland fans at half-time during the second half of England’s 3-1 win after his debut.

The howls from the Scottish supporters increased after Maguire scored and set up an own goal.

But the England defender, who has also been booed by his own fans in the past, received a positive reception from traveling fans after the final whistle.

And Southgate passionately defended Maguire, saying: ‘It’s a consequence of the ridiculous treatment of him over a long period of time, to be honest, and I think our fans recognised, ‘OK, there might be a bit of heat from our own supporters, but we’re not. I will get it from others who step into him.’

The Manchester United centre-back came on at half-time and scored an unfortunate own goal

‘But it’s a joke. I have never seen a player treated the way he is, not from the Scottish fans by our own commentators, pundits, whatever it is, they have created something beyond anything I have ever seen.

‘He has been an absolute pillar for us in the second most successful English team for decades, he has been an absolutely important part of that.

‘He’s going to show on the pitch the resilience he shows, the balls he shows are absolutely incredible, so he’s a top player and we’re all behind him. Our fans were great with him tonight.”

The evening was marred by problems between both groups of fans. Eyewitness accounts have indicated that English supporters were hit by missiles thrown by Scottish fans positioned above them.

Southgate continues to pick Maguire despite his lack of minutes at Manchester United