Tough sanctions called for Serbia
Danny Rose has called for Serbia to be banned after complaining of racist abuse and being hit by missiles during England Under-21s' win in Krusevac.
The Tottenham defender, currently on loan at Sunderland, said he had been subjected to monkey taunts long before the violent scenes which marred the end of the Euro 2013 play-off. Rose was sent off after the final whistle for kicking a ball in anger in response to provocation as scuffles broke out involving Serbian supporters, players and other officials.
Rose told Sky Sports News: "As I went off again there was monkey chanting, but the monkey chanting started long before I got sent off. After 60 minutes my head wasn't really on the game. They have to be banned. I don't understand how else they can learn from it, they have to be banned."
He added: "I remember getting slapped twice and then I got ushered away. That's when I kicked the ball - and the referee sent me off.
"I don't understand, the game had finished by then but he still sent me off for kicking the ball."
Sports minister Hugh Robertson on Wednesday sent a letter to UEFA president Michel Platini urging tough sanctions from the governing body following the "disgraceful scenes" of racism in Serbia.
Robertson has given his full support to the Football Association, who reported a number of incidents of racism to UEFA.
The minister said: "The scenes at the end of the game last night were disgraceful. I have written to UEFA president Michel Platini, in support of the FA, urging them to investigate immediately. Racism in any form is unacceptable and must be stamped out. We would expect tough sanctions from UEFA on anyone found guilty of racist abuse."
England assistant coach Steve Wigley was caught up in the trouble and was manhandled as he made his way to the tunnel after the game, while Rose said the issues were a culmination of problems which had been brewing throughout the evening at the Mladost Stadium.
The 22-year-old added: "It started when we went out for the warm-up. In the first half I went down to get the ball for a throw-in and the fans started again with the monkey chants. In the second half I had two stones hit me on the head when I went to get the ball for a throw-in. Every time I touched the ball there was monkey chanting again."
