The Football Association and anti-racism campaigners will demand Serbia are severely punished by Uefa after England Under-21s’ 1-0 victory over Serbia in Krusevac was ruined by disgraceful racism and violence.
England, after a resolute defensive display, won the game in stoppage time when striker Connor Wickham rolled the ball into an empty net to secure their place at next summer’s European Championships.
But the performance and result were completely overshadowed by a large number of Serbia supporters – who racially abused the opposition’s black players – and Serbian players who threw punches, kicks and even headbutts at England’s team and staff as they tried to leave the pitch
Serbia were warned by Uefa president Michel Platini in 2011 that they risked being expelled from the European Championship because of persistent crowd trouble and European football’s governing body will be put under severe pressure to take a hard-line stance this time.
“Punches, headbutts were thrown, and God knows what else,” said England manager Stuart Pearce. “I think there were one or two racist incidents from the crowd and we have reported them to Uefa. They will have to deal with that. I am proud of my players and the staff.
“It was very sad, but we’re united as a team and as a staff. A lot is happening in our country regarding stamping out racism. It’s just a shame this was soured in the last few minutes of the second leg of the tie. We’ll let the authorities deal with this. We have given a good account of ourselves over the two matches, and I’m very proud of our team. No matter what provocation comes your way we are in a profession where you have to hold your dignity.”
However, Uefa has been criticised in the past for failing to punish racist behaviour severely enough. At this summer’s European Championship Denmark’s Nicklas Bendtner was fined more for showing off unsanctioned-sponsored underwear when he celebrated a goal than the Football Associations of countries whose supporters were guilty of racist behaviour.
His £80,000 fine from Uefa was also £64,000 more than Portugal’s Porto were fined for their supporters racially abusing Manchester City’s Mario Balotelli during a European fixture last season.
England, after a resolute defensive display, won the game in stoppage time when striker Connor Wickham rolled the ball into an empty net to secure their place at next summer’s European Championships.
But the performance and result were completely overshadowed by a large number of Serbia supporters – who racially abused the opposition’s black players – and Serbian players who threw punches, kicks and even headbutts at England’s team and staff as they tried to leave the pitch
Serbia were warned by Uefa president Michel Platini in 2011 that they risked being expelled from the European Championship because of persistent crowd trouble and European football’s governing body will be put under severe pressure to take a hard-line stance this time.
“Punches, headbutts were thrown, and God knows what else,” said England manager Stuart Pearce. “I think there were one or two racist incidents from the crowd and we have reported them to Uefa. They will have to deal with that. I am proud of my players and the staff.
“It was very sad, but we’re united as a team and as a staff. A lot is happening in our country regarding stamping out racism. It’s just a shame this was soured in the last few minutes of the second leg of the tie. We’ll let the authorities deal with this. We have given a good account of ourselves over the two matches, and I’m very proud of our team. No matter what provocation comes your way we are in a profession where you have to hold your dignity.”
However, Uefa has been criticised in the past for failing to punish racist behaviour severely enough. At this summer’s European Championship Denmark’s Nicklas Bendtner was fined more for showing off unsanctioned-sponsored underwear when he celebrated a goal than the Football Associations of countries whose supporters were guilty of racist behaviour.
His £80,000 fine from Uefa was also £64,000 more than Portugal’s Porto were fined for their supporters racially abusing Manchester City’s Mario Balotelli during a European fixture last season.
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