Serbia Punished for Breaching UEFA Rule Ahead of England Clash
Serbia have been punished for breaching UEFA rules ahead of their World Cup qualifier against England.
Both nations remain unbeaten in Group K as they battle to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
England's latest 2-0 win over Andorra on Saturday extended their perfect record to four victories from four, with the Three Lions yet to concede a goal in qualifying.
But Tuesday's trip to Belgrade will be their toughest test so far under Thomas Tuchel, in what is expected to be a hostile atmosphere.
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However, the hosts will be without a section of their support after UEFA ordered a partial stadium closure following racist behaviour during a World Cup qualifier against Andorra in June.
The punishment means 15 per cent of the 50,000 capacity Rajko Mitic stadium must remain empty.
It is the latest punishment in a long list for the Serbian Football Association.
At Euro 2024 in Germany, England started off their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Serbia, with Jude Bellingham's header proving the difference.
But the Serbian FA was later fined €14,500 (£12,250) after objects were thrown and a provocative banner was displayed.
Tensions at the tournament further escalated as Serbia threatened to pull out following offensive chanting between Croatia and Albania fans.
How much have Serbia been fined in the past?
In the past five years alone, the Serbian FA has been hit by more than €700,000 (£607,700) worth of fines.
Ahead of the clash with England, the Serbian FA has pleaded with their supporters for good behaviour.
The statement said: "UEFA has long established a list of prohibited items (signs, symbols, flags, sounds, chants, political slogans…) that are subject to strict sanctions and penalties.
"In the last five years alone, the Football Association of Serbia has been fined over 700,000 euros by UEFA for various prohibited behaviours, insults, and discrimination directed from the stands during matches of the senior national team and other selections.
"The national team is our pride, we have no other, and it deserves support befitting such important matches.
"We wish to emphasise the value and need for support that contributes to creating a positive atmosphere at the stadium.
"Let us be united in our love for football, support our national team in the right way, show respect for the opponent and their national anthem.
"Let the match against England be a celebration of sport and respect between rivals and nations."
A win in Serbia would put England firmly on course for next summer's World Cup.
Victory in Belgrade would see them move eight points clear of their opponents at the top of the group, having played one game more.
Topics: Serbia, England, UEFA, Football, FIFA World Cup
James Taylor