Riot police enter stands as Serbia fans fight during England's 5-0 win in Belgrade
Incidents including a laser directed at a player and chants about the president interrupted the World Cup qualifier at the Rajko Mitic Stadium
Riot police entered the stands at the Rajko Mitic Stadium on Tuesday after reports that Serbia supporters began fighting each other during England’s 5-0 World Cup qualifying victory, with children among those forced to seek cover.
England scored five different goals to dominate the fixture, with Harry Kane opening the scoring, Noni Madueke netting his first international goal in the first half, Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi adding further strikes, and Marcus Rashford converting a late penalty. The result moved England closer to securing a place at next summer’s World Cup.
The disturbances unfolded in the second half after play had already been briefly stopped when a laser was shone in the face of England defender Ezri Konsa. Television coverage showed Konsa raise his hands to his eyes as a green light was directed at him. The referee halted the match while stadium announcements warned supporters against using laser pens.
ITV pitchside reporter Gabriel Clarke described the incident as "unnerving for a few minutes," and former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson said on BBC Radio Five Live that Konsa had stopped after the flash and appeared to have been affected by a clear green laser.
Reports from the ground said the crowd trouble escalated beyond the laser incident, with footage circulating on social media showing groups of home supporters clashing in the stands. Police moved into the seating areas to separate those involved and escort children and other spectators to safety. Some parents were seen pulling children away from the disturbances.
Serbian chants reportedly directed at President Aleksandar Vučić were heard as the fighting began, according to accounts from the stadium. Authorities and match officials dealt with the incidents while play continued on the pitch.
The match was held before a reduced crowd after Serbian supporters were sanctioned earlier this year following racist abuse directed at Andorra players. Organisers and home authorities had previously warned that sanctions and tighter controls would remain in place to curb abusive behaviour.
England remained professional on the field despite the off-field disruptions and took three points that strengthened their position in the qualifying group. Matchday officials and police have not released a full statement detailing arrests or follow-up measures immediately after the fixture; local authorities are expected to review the incidents seen in the stands.
The scoreline and the crowd disturbances are likely to draw scrutiny from governing bodies overseeing the qualifiers, which have in recent seasons increased sanctions and monitoring of fan behaviour. The focus now shifts back to qualification calculations and to any disciplinary action resulting from the night's events.