FA pursue complaint after Serbia match 'racist abuse'
The English Football Association have sent an official complaint to UEFA following racist abuse directed at England Under-21 players from Serbia fans and players at the European Under-21 Championships.
Nedum Onuoha was abused by supporters in the first half of England’s 2-0 Group B win in Nijmegen and UEFA were forced to make an impromptu anti-racism announcement while play was still going on.
The FA have reported that incident as well as racist abuse in the tunnel, with a statement confirming: “A complaint has also been submitted over the further racist abuse directed at England players by at least one member of the Serbian team in the tunnel after the match.”
Serbia players were upset when Matt Derbyshire scored while one of their players was down injured, sparking a mass brawl that carried on in the tunnel after the final whistle.
Arsenal full-back Justin Hoyte is understood to be a player who was abused in the tunnel, and there were also reports of Serbia players spitting.
An FA spokesman said: “We take racism and other forms of discriminatory behaviour extremely seriously and have asked UEFA to investigate these incidents as a matter of urgency. We will of course co-operate fully with any investigation.”
The matter will not be discussed until the meeting of the control and disciplinary body on July 12, UEFA have confirmed. The conduct of England’s players will also be looked at.
A statement from UEFA read: “In regard to alleged racist chanting, UEFA will instigate proceedings against the FSS (Serbian Football Association) over the misconduct of their supporters.
“Proceedings will also be instigated against the FSS for the improper conduct of their players on two occasions: following England’s second goal and after the match.
“UEFA will also commence proceedings against the FA for the improper conduct of the England players after the match.”
