Harry Kane insists England will WALK OFF if targeted with racist abuse from Serbia fans

Harry Kane has made it clear that England are willing to walk off when they take on Serbia in Belgrade if they are subjected to racist abuse – with the hosts already being punished for such acts

Harry Kane insists England are ready to walk off the pitch during their World Cup qualifier against Serbia in Belgrade if any of their players are subject to racism.

The Rajko Mitic Stadium in the nation’s capital is already at reduced capacity because of racist behaviour by Serbia’s supporters during a game against Andorra in June, resulting in them being punished.

England have shown a desire to fight back and take a stand, doing so when they played Bulgaria back in 2019. On that occasion in Sofia the game was twice bought to a halt in the first-half after the home fans abused some of the Three Lions’ players. Then boss Gareth Southgate admitted England considered walking off after suffering the racist abuse, but claimed his players were determined to stay on and make a stand, eventually winning 6-0.

Amid talk of England facing a similarly hostile reception skipper Kane was asked whether he’d be prepared to lead the team in a repeat and made it clear he would.

The Bayern Munich striker said: “Yes, we had a similar situation in Bulgaria. UEFA have the protocols in place for us to follow. We know the steps, we know the situation.”

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He was hopeful that it wouldn’t come to that as he added: “We’re talking about something that’s not happened yet. We’ll take every in our stride, everything as it comes. We’re clear in what we want to do. Let’s just see what happens tomorrow night. We’re more focused on Serbia as a team and how we can hurt them.”

England are looking to secure two wins from two during the international break having seen off Andorra at the weekend and boss Thomas Tuchel concedes whilst he hasn’t discussed the situation with the players, those from the FA have.

He said: “I didn’t [talk to the players about it] but the people in charge at the FA talked with us about it, yes. We are aware. And still, I always believe in the good. I always believe that we will have a high-level sporting competition and celebrate the sport for what it is.

“We are aware of the protocols but I don’t want to put the big focus on it because I believe in the beauty of sport and in the beauty of the game. That we have can have a respectful and emotional match tomorrow.”

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