FA 'questions validity' of sending England teams to Serbia in future
The Football Association's general secretary Alex Horne has called on Uefa to take the "strongest possible action" against anyone found guilty of violence or racist abuse in Serbia on Tuesday – and say they now "question the validity" of sending an England team to play in Serbia again.
The aftermath of England's Under-21 play-off victory was marred by a mass confrontation (video), with players from both sides clashing on the pitch. England's Danny Rose was sent off for reacting to what he later called sustained racist abuse by kicking the ball away. The Serbian FA denied its fans were involved in "any form of racism".
Horne said: "We were shocked and appalled by the disgraceful events that occurred in Serbia. Our players and staff were subjected to racial abuse, violence as well as missiles being thrown at them throughout the match. What occurred is inexcusable and not acceptable.
"After collating evidence from those present, including a senior UK Football Policing Unit representative, we are making a formal complaint to Uefa.
"We call on Uefa to take the strongest possible action against the Serbian FA, their supporters and anyone found guilty of being involved in the numerous instances of violence and abuse.
"It is also clear that we must defend Danny Rose, who was sent off due to the frustration of being a target of racial abuse."
Horne added: "No football team should be asked to play in any environment where racial abuse, violence and threatening behaviour is prevalent. We must question the validity of sending a team to Serbia in the future.
"We look forward to Uefa dealing with last night's events as a matter of urgency."