Footage Emerges of England vs Serbia Crowd Incident That Caused Riot Police to Intervene

Fan footage has emerged of the "unnerving" crowd incident that occurred during England's World Cup qualifier against Serbia after riot police were forced to intervene.

With England leading 3-0 at the time, riot police could be seen sprinting towards a group of Serbia supporters as children were lifted to safety.

News of the incident, which was a considerable distance from where the visiting England fans were situated, was soon relayed to those watching Tuesday's game on ITV.

Sam Matterface said there was "a stream of riot police running into the home section of the crowd", while pitchside reporter Gabriel Clarke explained that the disturbance was down to political disagreements.

"The disturbance happened in the main stand and it was rather unnerving for a few minutes," he said. "A few Serbians ran across that stand, there were families involved as well. Some children had to be moved on."

Clarke added: "It was Serbian fans arguing between themselves. It was politically charged, pro and anti-government. The police have moved in and calmed the situation."

As per The Sun, fighting broke out between fans as chants taking critical aim at president Aleksandar Vucic were heard. Serbia is experiencing political unrest over Vucic, with thousands rallying against him this week.

Shortly after riot police managed to calm the situation, fan footage of the incident emerged on social media.

As seen below, X user Ćutanje nije zlato posted the clip alongside a caption that read: "Hooligans at Marakana come in groups to beat people who are chanting. Children are also present."

Earlier in the match, Serbia fans could also be heard chanting about neighbouring Kosovo.

Serbia does not recognise Kosovo as an independent state and the two nations are kept away from playing each other in international competitions.

Ahead of kick-off, general secretary of the Football Association of Serbia (FSS), Branko Radujko, pleaded with home supporters “to send out an image to the world that will make us all proud”.

In the matchday programme, Radujko also urged fans to “support our national team in the right way”.

“We are still under special monitoring of Uefa," he said. "Every inappropriate reaction, insult or incident could cost us dearly on our path to the USA, Mexico and Canada."

Away from the crowd incident and the qualifier was paused in the 38th minute after a laser pen was pointed at Ezri Konsa’s face.