Tuesday 16 October 2012

Awful scenes overshadow great performance by Young lions.

England's deserved victory clouded by post match scenes that created a "Battle of Belgrade".

After a gruelling 2 leg victory against a strong Serbian side, takin the under21 side to the European Championships in Israel next year, the England players were subjected to very hostile conditions.

After Wickham scored the only goal in the 94th minute the stadium descended into chaos. Missiles were raining down on the pitch as the England players celebrated.

Some fans made their way onto the pitch, but it was altercations between Serbian officials and players that started things off, with punches being thrown.

Danny Rose was clearly affected by something, "One or two racist incidents" according to manager Stuart Pearce, and preceded to kick a ball into the crowd, and was given a red card. As he made his way to the tunnel the abuse is said to have increased, according to ESPN.

As the England staff tried to get the squad into the changing room, more violent scenes erupted around the tunnel, and England coach Steve Wigley appeared to be attacked by a member of the Serbian staff.

There is surely more to follow on the incident, and the unacceptable racist abuse that the black England players were subjected to.

UEFA has to deal with this incident in a proper way, instead of brushing the issue under the carpet as they have done with meaningless fines. Rose's reaction is easily understandable given the abuse, and hostility he was subjected to, so giving him a red card and suspension for his reaction is stupid. In effect he has even sent off for being racially abused.

After the match, Stuart Pearce confirmed an accusation of racist abuse has been submitted by the FA. It's now all down to UEFA. The latest news is that Police have cordoned off England's dressing room.

What's sad is that this issue has yet again raised its ugly head, and overshadowed an excellent defensive display by England. More news to follow certainly.

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