The Magnificent Magyars were Hungary’s golden football team of the 1950s.

But behind their shine lay a dark secret.

In 1951, defender Sándor Szűcs was executed for trying to defect from the communist regime.

The married centre-back had wanted to leave Hungary with his lover, singer Erzsi Kovács, who was also married.

The pair had been told to end their illicit relationship or face imprisonment.

They were arrested near the border after being set up by a double agent.

This programme has been made by Vicky Farncombe, using an interview Erzsi gave in 2011 to Hungarian journalist Endre Kadarkai on the Arckép programme, on Zuglo TV.

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(Photo: Sándor Szűcs. Credit: Arcanum/Nemzeti Sport)

The Hungarian footballer executed for love

Witness History