England Under-21 players were subjected to racist abuse from the crowd and had missiles hurled at them as their game against Serbia descended into violence.
The Football Association has reported “a number of incidents of racism” following the 2-0 aggregate play-off win in Krusevac.
Defender Danny Rose was sent off after the final whistle, having apparently responded angrily to monkey taunts from the crowd.
Scuffles also broke out when supporters invaded the field moments after Connor Wickham scored in injury time to seal the win – and England’s place in the U21s European Championships next summer.
Steve Wigley, one of the England coaching staff, was also involved in the trouble and had to be restrained after reportedly being punched at least once in the face.
A statement from the FA read: “The FA condemns both the scenes of racism and the confrontation at the final whistle during which time our players and staff were under extreme provocation.
“The FA has reported a number of incidents of racism to Uefa following the fixture.
“These were seemingly aimed at a number of black England players by the crowd. The matter is now with Uefa.”
England manager Stuart Pearce said Serbia’s technical director Savo Milosevic had visited the England dressing room to apologise.
“I never like to see any football matches end like that,” Pearce told ESPN.
“I think there were one or two racist incidents that came on from the crowd. It’s in (Uefa’s) hands now.
“It’s very sad, to be fair, but we’re united as a team. I’m very proud of the reaction of our players.”
Article source: http://news.sky.com/story/998643
