It is ridiculous – Southgate defends Maguire after own goal against Scotland

<p>England manager, Gareth Southgate has condemned the criticism Harry Maguire has received recently.</p>, <p>Maguire has made only one substitute appearance for Manchester United this season, but was called up for the matches during this international break.</p>, <p>The 30-year-old was picked to start in the 1-1 draw against Ukraine on Saturday and came on at half-time in Tuesday’s 3-1 victory over Scotland.</p>, <p>Maguire was jeered by the fans at Hampden Park and mocked for scoring an own goal in the 67th minute.</p>, <p>“He was exceptional for us at the weekend. The reaction tonight is a consequence of idiots really from our side who have created that environment.</p>, <p>“So what I think was brilliant tonight was our fans who were here recognised that they’re going to protect their own. We should be doing that.</p>, <p>“We’re creating a problem for our own player. Some of the articles that were written, some of the comments that were made, were an absolute joke.</p>, <p>“He’s been a tower of strength for us through one of the most successful periods of English football and the response tonight – I understand Scottish fans, they’re having some fun – but it’s created by our own side, it’s ridiculous,” Southgate told beIN Sports after the match.</p>