Ex-FIFA referee: Serbia face ‘substantial’ punishment after ‘dangerous’ incident v England
Serbia are facing a substantial fine as punishment for an incident where England star Ezri Konsa appeared to have a laser shone in his eyes.
That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the matter will be reported to the relevant authorities and dealt with firmly.
Thomas Tuchel‘s side enjoyed a successful night in Belgrade with a 5-0 win courtesy of goals from Harry Kane, Noni Madueke, Konsa, Marc Guehi and Marcus Rashford.
It was a dominant display from the Three Lions despite the controversy in the crowd as they remained focused and turned in their best performance under Tuchel.
Serbia face punishment for ‘dangerous’ England incident
Both Konsa and Reece James were targeted by the laser from the crowd, with play temporarily stopped during the first half with the centre-back clearly impacted.
Match official Clement Turpin flagged the incident and informed those on the sidelines, before the stadium announcer urged fans not to continue.
While the incidents seemed to die down following the announcement, and no major issues were caused by their impact, Serbia are still likely to face a sanction.
The use of laser pens has been labelled “dangerous an unacceptable” and match officials underwent a clear process to deal with the situation.
Now, the Serbian FA will be forced to deal with the consequences, having already been fined over £600,000 by FIFA and UEFA in the last five years. [BBC]
Ex-FIFA referee slams Serbia after laser incident
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider following England’s victory, Hackett explained: “The use of a laser is dangerous and unacceptable.
“Turpin, the French referee, is a very experienced referee and will have been informed.
“The match observer in attendance will have requested the announcement be made.
“The matter will be reported to the authorities and Serbia will be sanctioned with a substantial fine.”
Despite the issues in the first-half, however, England and Tuchel will be pleased with what they were able to do in what has been a historically tough game for them.
Madueke turned in a man-of-the-match display, while Elliot Anderson impressed again in midfield with the manager’s gamble on his selection paying off.
This comes as former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Anderson is firmly in contention to make England’s World Cup squad in 2026.
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