Kane and the English National Team prepared for possible racist insults in Serbia

Kane and the English National Team Prepared to Face Serbia Amid Racism Concerns

Star striker Harry Kane has confirmed that the England team held a meeting to discuss their response to the possibility of receiving racist insults during the World Cup qualifying match against Serbia on Tuesday in Belgrade. Kane stated that they will follow the UEFA protocol if any incident occurs. The Serbian Football Federation issued a statement requesting its supporters to behave appropriately, following a series of problems that have resulted in fines of more than 700,000 euros in the last five years, due to “various prohibited behaviors, insults and discrimination from the stands during the matches of the absolute national team and other national teams”. In the Euro 2024 match, UEFA investigated accusations of discriminatory chants by Serbian fans, although there were no complaints from the English team at the time. Due to its conflictive history, 15% of the Stadion Rajko Mitic will be closed for the match against England, a crucial encounter.

We are under special UEFA supervision. Any inappropriate reaction, insult, or incident could cost us dearly on our road to the World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, including the possibility of playing a decisive match behind closed doors.

Branko Radujko, Secretary General of the Serbian Football Federation

Upon arriving in Serbia, Kane commented: “We had a meeting and discussed the UEFA protocols. Our focus is on the game and trying to beat Serbia on the field. We are prepared for what may happen, but we are not thinking about that. We are thinking about football, about the game, and we hope it will be a respectful match.” UEFA’s protocol in case of discrimination includes stopping the game with a public warning, temporarily suspending the match and, ultimately, abandoning it if the situation does not improve. Kane, who was captain when England suffered racist insults in Bulgaria in 2019, stated that they are prepared to follow UEFA protocols. Coach Thomas Tuchel added that they are aware of the protocols, but prefers to focus on the beauty of the sport and hopes for a respectful match. Marc Guéhi has overcome a groin problem and Tuchel will have all players available as England look to consolidate their position at the top of Group K.