Why Serbia vs England is being played in front of a reduced capacity crowd

England travel to Serbia this evening for their second World Cup qualifier of the September international break with all eyes on the home supporters’ behaviour in the stands

England’s trip to Serbia this evening in World Cup qualifying will be played in front of a reduced capacity crowd as the home side observe their punishment from FIFA for racist chanting.

Tonight, at least 15 per cent of the stadium shall be closed to Serbian supporters after the home fans’ indiscretions during a recent clash with Andorra.

As a result, England have held a special meeting to remind their squad of UEFA’s protocals surrounding racist abuse. Confirming the meeting, captain Harry Kane said: “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. Anything can happen but we are not thinking about that. We are prepared to do what UEFA protocols allow us to do.

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“I thought we handled it well in Bulgaria [in 2019]. We are prepared, had a discussion and if it [racist abuse] does happen we will be prepared to do what is necessary.”

The general secretary of the Serbian FA has released a statement ahead of tonight’s fixture imploring his country’s supporters to behave decently. “We are still under special monitoring of UEFA,” Branko Radujko wrote in a statement.

“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.”

While there have been past instances of Serbia being punished for their supporters racial abusing players for the colour of their skin, in recent years their indiscretions have revolved around Kosovo. The country declared independence from Serbia in 2008 but Serbia does not recognise this.

Kosovo initially sought independence in 1990 and Serbia responded with a brutal crackdown on ethnic Albanians. This ended in 1999 after Nato military action.

Ultra groups now lead chants that insist that Kosovo is still a part of Serbia. Meanwhile, derogatory chants against Albanians, Croats and Bosnian Muslims have also been heard during matches.

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