Serbia urges fans to behave ahead of England World Cup qualifier after sanctions

Serbia's football federation has urged supporters to behave and show respect as the national team prepares to host England in a World Cup qualifying match in Belgrade on Tuesday, after FIFA and UEFA imposed sanctions that will leave at least 15% of the Rajko Mitic Stadium closed to home fans.

The Serbian Football Association (FSS) said the partial closure, which equates to more than 8,000 seats, follows discriminatory chanting during a match against Andorra and is part of a string of punishments and fines totalling more than �����������������������600,000 imposed by FIFA and UEFA over the past five years. In a message printed in the match programme, FSS general secretary Branko Radujko warned that any further transgressions could lead to heavier sanctions, including the possibility of a decisive fixture being played behind closed doors.

"We are still under special monitoring of UEFA," Radujko wrote. "Every inappropriate reaction, insult or incident could cost us dearly on our path to the USA, Mexico and Canada, including the possibility of having to play a decisive match with Albania behind closed doors. That is the reason I sincerely and seriously call on you: let us cheer from the heart but let it be fair. We can be loud but dignified. Let our support be a source of strength, not a risk for the national team."

The FSS urged fans to respect opponents and national anthems and to make the match "a celebration of sport and respect among rivals and nations." Serbia manager and players face heightened scrutiny after repeated disciplinary issues tied largely to politically charged chants, including those referencing Kosovo.

England captain Harry Kane said the visiting team had discussed UEFA's anti-discrimination protocols and would be prepared to act if racist abuse occurred. "We had a meeting and discussed the UEFA protocols that are in place. We don't like to discuss it too much. Our focus is on the game," Kane said. He added that the squad was prepared to follow procedures used at previous incidents, saying, "If it [racist abuse] does happen we will be prepared to do what is necessary."

UEFA's three-step protocol gives referees escalating options if discriminatory abuse is heard from the stands. The protocol requires a brief stoppage and a public announcement asking fans to stop; if abuse continues, the referee may pause the match for five to 10 minutes and remove players from the pitch while another announcement is made; and if abuse persists after the second restart, the referee may abandon the game.

England manager Thomas Tuchel said he expected a sporting occasion and did not want to put undue focus on the issue. "I always believe in the good and believe we will have a high level sporting occasion. I don't want to put a focus on it because I believe in the beauty of the sport and the beauty of the game," Tuchel said.

Most recent sanctions against Serbia have been linked to nationalist and derogatory chanting related to Kosovo, whose 2008 declaration of independence from Serbia is not recognised by Belgrade. Supporters, often organised in ultras groups, have historically used chants that proclaim "Kosovo is the heart of Serbia" and have sometimes directed derogatory language at Albanians, Croats and Bosnian Muslims. Authorities have repeatedly sanctioned the FSS for discriminatory behaviour, provocative banners and objects thrown from the stands.

In the past three years alone, UEFA and FIFA measures have included partial stadium closures, bans on away-ticket sales, fines for objects thrown and for provocative displays, and a fine related to a dressing-room flag displayed during the 2022 World Cup. The FSS's public tally cited more than �����������������������600,000 in sanctions over five years.

Serbia's national teams have a documented history of incidents involving England representatives. In 2007 the FSS was fined after supporters racially abused England Under-21 player Nedum Onuoha at a European Championship game in the Netherlands. In 2012 England defender Danny Rose was sent off in a European Championship qualifier in Krusevac after reacting to monkey chants and objects reportedly thrown at him; then-team member Andros Townsend later described the episode as shocking and chaotic.

The FSS statement asked supporters to unite behind the national team and to "show respect for the opponent and the national anthem of their country." Radujko framed the match as both a sporting contest and an opportunity to demonstrate national pride without behaviour that risks further sanctions.

The game in Belgrade remains part of Serbia's qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. UEFA and FIFA disciplinary monitoring will continue, and officials have warned that any repeat of discriminatory conduct could result in further penalties for the federation and supporters alike.