Tuesday night in Belgrade was unforgettable for very different reasons.
On the pitch, England delivered a dominant performance, thrashing Serbia 5-0 in a World Cup qualifying match.
Off the pitch, however, chaos erupted as sections of the Serbian crowd began fighting among themselves, forcing riot police to intervene.
Five Different Scorers Seal England’s Victory
Thomas Tuchel’s England side were unstoppable from the start.
Harry Kane broke the deadlock, setting the tone for an impressive team display.
Noni Madueke then scored his first international goal in the first half, giving the visitors a comfortable lead heading into the break.
The second half saw more action, with Ezri Konsa adding his name to the scoresheet, followed by Marc Guehi, who also netted his first goal for England.
Marcus Rashford completed the rout with a late penalty, putting the Three Lions on the brink of World Cup qualification.
Chaos in the Stands Overshadows the Match
While England dominated on the field, tensions flared in the Rajko Mitic Stadium.
Serbian fans turned on each other, leaving terrified children ducking for cover as parents scrambled to protect them.
Police were on high alert as the situation escalated, trying to prevent injuries amid the disorder.
The trouble began after Konsa was targeted by a laser pen, shining directly into his eyes, which forced play to pause temporarily.
Reports also suggested that chants directed at Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić contributed to the unrest.
ITV’s pitch-side reporter Gabriel Clarke described the scenes as “unnerving for a few minutes.”
Laser Pen Disruption Halts Play
The laser pen incidents prompted warnings from the stadium announcer, particularly after players like Konsa and Reece James were affected.
A social media clip captured Konsa raising his hands to shield his eyes while continuing his run, the red light flashing on him from the stands.
The referee had no choice but to halt the game briefly, which drew loud jeers from Serbian fans.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson described the moment vividly on BBC Radio Five Live: “Ezri Konsa immediately stopped.
You could see the flash on his shirt. He put his hands to his eyes. A clear green laser pen must have shone in his face.”
Reduced Crowd and Professional Performance
The fixture was played in front of a reduced crowd, following sanctions against Serbian supporters for racist abuse aimed at Andorra players earlier this year. Despite the disruption in the stands, England remained focused and professional, securing another three points in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
Looking Ahead
With five goals scored and a clean sheet, England have taken another step toward next summer’s World Cup.
Meanwhile, the incidents in the stands have sparked discussions about stadium safety and crowd management, leaving authorities with questions to answer before the next fixture.