UEFA to launch proceedings against England and Serbia

Danny Rose reacted angrily after being subjected to what he described as sustained monkey chanting from Serbian supporters. Credit: PA

UEFA has announced it is to instigate proceedings against England and Serbia players and Serbian fans following the side's U21's match on Tuesday night.

In a statement, the body said it would be investigating the improper conduct of both sets of players and alleged racist chanting by Serbian fans following England's 1-0 win.

Earlier the FA announced it had reported "a number of incidents of racism" to UEFA after violent scenes marred the match.

Defender Danny Rose was sent off after the final whistle after responding angrily to apparent monkey chants from the crowd at the end of the Euro 2013 play-off in Krusevac.

Today he told ITV News how he was pelted with stones and was the target of monkey chants Tuesday night's match.

Earlier today, the Serbian FA denied there were any racist chants before and during the England Under-21 match in Krusevac and said Danny Rose behaved in an "inappropriate, unsportsmanlike and vulgar manner" towards their fans.

In a statement on its website, the Serbian FA said:

In footage posted to YouTube by broadcaster ESPN, monkey chants appear to be directed at Rose as he leaves the pitch following a second yellow card:

England's Football Association reported "a number of incidents of racism" to European governing body UEFA after the match.

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.

The Serbian FA maintains they made the England fans and team feel welcome throughout the duration of their stay in the country but following the brawl in the final stages they will now launch an internal investigation.

Following a similar incident in June 2007 in which the Serbian FA was fined £16,500 for the racial abuse of England players by fans, a number of football voices called for stronger punishments, including bans.

Nigel Rose, Danny's father, told ITV News that Serbia "need to be banned" because a fine is not enough of a deterrent:

Former England captain Rio Ferdinand called for "big bans" for racial abuse. Otherwise, he added, "there is no real deterrent":

Prime Minister David Cameron called for "tough sanctions" and Sports Minister Hugh Robertson said the "derisory fines" of the past were "not good enough":

Scott Field, of the Football Association, has told ITV News that Danny Rose was "severely provoked" during England's U21 game with Serbia on Tuesday night and the association will defend its player in that respect: