Serbia is set to face a massive financial penalty following the “dangerous” deployment of lasers against the UK. The three Lions faced Serbia on Wednesday night, claiming the most persuasive victory of the Thomas Touchel era to date.
England competed for a 5-0 victory with Harry Kane, Noni Madueke, Ezri Konsa, Mark Guech and Marcus Rashford all on the scoresheets. Additionally, 10 players were left on the home side as Nikola Milenkovic received a march order from umpire Clement Turpin. A unique moment also unfolded when the British defender Consana held a laser pointer pointed at his face when someone in the stands held a laser pointer.
Commenting on BBC Radio 5 Live, Paul Robinson said: “Ezri Consa stopped immediately. He could see the flash of light on his shirt. He had his hands on his eyes. A clear green laser pen must have glowed on his face.”
Turpin stopped immediately, and a message urged people to urge those to stop the direction of the light was then broadcast on the stadium’s public address system.
No further incidents have occurred, but former FIFA judge Keith Hackett believes that Serbian FA could now encounter serious consequences.
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Speaking to a football insider, he said: “The use of lasers is dangerous and unacceptable. Turpin, a French judge, is a very experienced judge and is informed.
“Observers of matches attended will request an announcement. The issue will be reported to the authorities and Serbia will be approved with a substantial fine.”
Serbia had already been forced to hold matches before a crowd of reduced capacity. During his previous encounter with Andorra, FIFA had imposed sanctions on racist chanting.
Serbian FA has also been hit with fines over £600,000 in recent years, with FIFA and UEFA for “inhumor and discrimination in the stands.”
FSS general secretary Branko Radujko appealed to his supporters to act appropriately before fixtures.
“We are still under special UEFA surveillance,” he wrote in the Matchday program. “All inappropriate reactions, insults or incidents could seriously sacrifice us on our path to the US, Mexico and Canada, including the possibility that we would have to play a decisive match against Albania behind closed doors.
“That’s why I call you seriously and seriously. Let’s cheer you on, but make it fair. We can be loud and dignified. Our support is not a risk for the national team, but a source of strength.”
