Riot police rush into stands as Serbia fans fight during England’s 5-0 win in Belgrade
Off-field unrest, including laser targeting of England players and stadium violence that saw children moved to safety, overshadowed a dominant World Cup qualifying victory
Riot police entered the stands at the Rajko Mitic Stadium on Tuesday after clashes broke out among Serbia supporters during England’s 5-0 victory, with footage showing children being escorted to safety as stewards and officers moved to break up the disturbances.
England took a commanding lead on the night, with Harry Kane opening the scoring before Noni Madueke added his first international goal in the first half. Ezri Konsa and Marc Guehi struck in the second period — Guehi scoring his first goal for his country — and Marcus Rashford converted a late penalty as England ran out comfortable winners and moved closer to World Cup qualification.
The unrest followed an earlier on-field disruption when a green laser was shone toward Ezri Konsa and Reece James, prompting the referee to halt play temporarily. Konsa was seen putting his hands to his face after the laser flash, and the stadium announcer warned fans about the use of laser pointers. Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, commentating on BBC Radio Five Live, said a "clear green laser pen" had shone into Konsa's face. ITV pitch-side reporter Gabriel Clarke described the episode as "unnerving for a few minutes." Play resumed after the stoppage.
Reports from the stadium said chants about Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić were heard before scuffles began among sections of the home supporters. Video circulating on social media showed groups of fans fighting in the stands while police and stewards attempted to separate them. Several children were seen being carried out of the area by adults and stewards as officers moved in to restore order.
The match was played in front of a reduced crowd after Serbian supporters were sanctioned earlier this year for racist abuse directed at Andorra players. Organisers and authorities had imposed limits on tickets for the fixture, but the disruption on Tuesday night prompted renewed scrutiny of crowd behaviour.
Despite the off-field incidents, England continued to press their advantage on the pitch and completed a comprehensive win that left them well placed in their qualifying group. The referee's temporary halt after the laser incident was met with jeers from parts of the crowd, but no further interruption affected the final outcome.
Local police said they intervened to prevent the situation from escalating further. There were no immediate reports of serious injuries, and match officials completed the fixture after tensions in the stands were quelled. The Football Association and relevant Serbian authorities are expected to review the incidents as part of post-match security and disciplinary procedures.
The result leaves England close to securing a place at next summer’s World Cup, while attention will inevitably turn to the safety and conduct of supporters and the measures in place to protect players and spectators at international fixtures.