England’s World Cup qualifier against Serbia was disrupted.
FIFA and UEFA are poised to take measures against the Serbian FA following their fans’ conduct during England’s World Cup qualifying victory in Belgrade.
Thomas Tuchel’s most spectacular success as England coach came on Tuesday night, when the Three Lions stormed to a 5-0 victory away from home at the Rajko Mitic Stadium.
Harry Kane, Noni Madueke, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, and Marcus Rashford all scored, while Serbia finished the game with ten men when Nikola Milenkovic was sent out for a late challenge on England’s captain.
The result put England seven points ahead of Albania in Group K, with Serbia one point behind after playing one fewer game.
Tuchel’s side may qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico if Serbia loses to Albania on October 11 and England defeats Latvia in their next qualifier on October 14.
While it was the perfect result for England, it was a dreadful night for Serbia, and things could go even worse for the host team due to their fans’ conduct.
The match was played in a partially closed stadium as a penalty for racist chants during a previous game against Andorra, with 15% of the ground closed off.
The Serbian FA issued a statement ahead of the game imploring fans to behave, noting that the governing body had been fined £600,000 by FIFA and UEFA in the previous five years due to persistent rule violations by Serbia supporters.
However, that message appeared to be ignored versus England, as the match was marred by several controversial occurrences.
Before the game, Serbian fans could be heard yelling about neighbouring Kosovo.
Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia in 2008, and it is currently a largely accepted autonomous state. Serbia, on the other hand, does not acknowledge Kosovo’s independence, therefore the two countries are barred from competing in international tournaments together.
Home fans were also seen flying a provocative banner depicting a map of Kosovo wrapped in the colours of the Serbian flag, with enraged Kosovan supporters pushing FIFA and its European counterpart, UEFA, to take action.
One X supporter tagged UEFA’s official account, calling the banner a “unacceptable act that violates every sporting standard”.
https://x.com/kos_data/status/1965510333629640948
Later, the action was briefly halted when a laser pen from the audience was shone in Konsa’s face.
Shortly after the game resumed, a message was aired over the public address system, warning supporters not to use laser pens or fireworks.
Throughout the game, a whistle could be heard from the Serbian supporters.
It caused confusion in the final moments of the game, with players and officials assuming the game had ended 30 seconds earlier until referee Clement Turpin signalled play on.
In a separate incident, riot police were forced into the stands after home fans began screaming anti-government chants.
How could Serbia be punished?
FIFA and UEFA have yet to publish statements regarding the crowd events, but the Serbian FA is expected to face additional penalties, including potential fines and stadium closures.
Former FIFA referee Keith Hackett told Football Insider that Serbia is likely to face a “substantial fine”.
“The use of a laser is dangerous and unacceptable,” stated the man.
“Turpin, the French referee, is a highly experienced official who will have been told.
“The match observer in attendance will have requested that the announcement be made.
“The matter will be reported to the authorities and Serbia will be sanctioned with a substantial fine.”
xz
