TheFA.com

England U21s: Statement

  • Thursday, 01 November, 2012
  • Jack Butland and Danny Rose
  • England celebrate Connor Wickham's winner in Serbia.
  • Danny Rose

A further statement following reports of Serbian Police charges

The FA continues to remain in close contact with the UK Government regarding the continued media reports of Serbian Police charging England Under-21 players and staff.

There remains no formal communication of any charges to The FA or the Government. However, we understand there has been a verbal communication of the names of the individuals concerned, which we now believe to be England players Steven Caulker and Tom Lees, and coach Steve Wigley.

The FA would like to reaffirm its support for all of our players and staff and we have spoken with the players’ clubs and those named to express this.

The FA has been taking legal advice in both the UK and Serbia to provide appropriate protection should any charges be brought.

We welcome the support we are receiving from the UK Government.


What Do You Think?

  • Sir, this episode is unsavoury to say the least. However sadly it cannot have been unexpected (I am referring to the behaviour of the Serbian fans both during and after the match). Unfortunately the Serbs have 'form' for racist behaviour. I would advocate a firm rejection of any further sporting contact with the Serbs until they have been rehabilitated and racial abuse and discrimination eradicated from their football. Sadly, I believe that any corrective action taken will not be lead from FIFA Headquarters and the English FA Association will have to act unilaterally by refusing any further fixtures with this ignorant and backward country. The reported police action from Serbia, in my opinion, is an attempt to deflect the impact of the Disciplinary action that will result from a full investigation of the events into the actions of Serbian supporters, players and team officials and should be rejected out of hand by both the FA and the British Government. It appears that the lawyers are going to end up richer, again, if this trend of employing police action to resolve sporting conflicts continues to grow!By anonymous (6 months ago)