BBCcom_Content_Index_for_November_23_2024.txt
Serbia_0-5_England_World_Cup_qualifier_paused_by_referee_after_laser_pen_shone_at_Ezri_Konsa_-_BBC_Sport.txt
Ref paused Serbia v England after laser incident Image source,jogo lyon EPAImage caption, England were playing their first match in Belgrade since November 1987ByTimothy AbrahamBBC Sport journalistPublished9 September 2025England's World Cup qualifier against Serbia in Belgrade was briefly paused by the referee after a laser pen was shone from the crowd in Ezri Konsa's face.The incident occurred in the 38th minute of the match at the Stadion Rajko Mitic in Belgrade - which the Three Lions went on to win 5-0 - when Konsa threw his head back after seemingly being dazzled by a green light.A few moments earlier a beam had been directed towards fellow defender Reece James as he prepared to take a free-kick.French referee Clement Turpin stopped the game momentarily after Konsa reacted and spoke to the fourth official on the touchline.Shortly after the resumption, there was a message over the public address system which warned fans against the use of laser pens and other pyrotechnics.In a separate incident, riot police entered the stands midway through the second half after home fans began chanting anti-government songs, while there were also chants related to Kosovo throughout the match.At least 15% of Belgrade's stadium was closed to home supporters as a Fifa punishment for racist chanting in a game against Andorra.A statement from the Serbian FA, external (FSS) said it has been fined more than ￡600,000 by Fifa and Uefa in the past five years.Related topicsSerbiaFootballEngland Men's Football TeamMore on this storyWhat Spence's England milestone means for MuslimsPublished5 days agoSerbia call for fans to behave after punishmentPublished6 days agoWhat is Uefa's racism protocol?Published5 days ago
