Serbia Set to Face FIFA Punishment After 'Dangerous' England Incident

FIFA and UEFA are expected to take action against the Serbian FA over the behaviour of their fans during England's World Cup qualifying win in Belgrade.

Thomas Tuchel secured his most impressive win yet as England head coach, with the Three Lions storming to a 5-0 victory away from home at the Rajko Mitic Stadium on Tuesday night.

Harry Kane, Noni Madueke, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi and Marcus Rashford all scored, while Serbia ended the match with 10 men after Nikola Milenkovic was sent off for a late challenge on the England captain.

The win moved England seven points clear of closest rivals Albania in Group K, with Serbia one point further back having played one game less.

Tuchel's side can book their place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico if Serbia drop points against Albania on October 11 and England beat Latvia in their next qualifier on October 14.

While it was the perfect result for England, it was a disastrous night for Serbia - and it could get even worse for the home side because of the behaviour of their fans.

The match was played in a partially closed stadium as a punishment for racist chanting in a previous game against Andorra, with 15 per cent of the ground closed off.

The Serbian FA issued a statement ahead of the game urging fans to behave, adding that the governing body had been fined £600,000 by FIFA and UEFA in the past five years over repeated rule breaches from Serbia supporters.

But that message was seemingly ignored against England, with several controversial incidents marring the match.

Ahead of the game, Serbian fans could be heard chanting about neighbouring Kosovo.

Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia in 2008 and is now a partially recognised independent state. Serbia, however, does not recognise Kosovo as independent and the two nations are kept away from playing each other in international competitions.

Home fans were also seen flying a provocative banner showing a map of Kosovo covered with the colours of the Serbian flag, with angry Kosovan supporters urging world governing body FIFA and European equivalent UEFA to take action.

One supporter on X tagged UEFA's official account, adding that the banner was an "unacceptable act that violates every sporting standard".

🇷🇸🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 A banner symbolizing the annexation of Kosovo was displayed by Serbian fans during the match between Serbia and England.

Should UEFA punish Serbia again for this? pic.twitter.com/k6bZ94Bnqf

— kos_data (@kos_data) September 9, 2025

Later on, the match was briefly paused after a laser pen was shone from the crowd in Konsa's face.

Shortly after the resumption, a message was broadcast over the public address system which warned fans against the use of laser pens and pyrotechnics.

Throughout the game a whistle could also be heard from the Serbia support.

It caused confusion in the final moments of the match, with players and officials believing the game had ended 30 seconds early before referee Clement Turpin waved play on.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, riot police were forced to enter the stands after home fans began chanting anti-government songs.

How could Serbia be punished?

FIFA and UEFA are yet to issue a statement on the crowd incidents but the Serbian FA are expected to face further punishment, including potential fines and stadium closures.

Speaking to Football Insider, former FIFA referee Keith Hackett said Serbia are likely to receive at least a "substantial fine".

"The use of a laser is dangerous and unacceptable," he said.

"Turpin, the French referee, is a very experienced referee and will have been informed.

"The match observer in attendance will have requested the announcement be made.

"The matter will be reported to the authorities and Serbia will be sanctioned with a substantial fine."