[monks data]

European Under-21s Championship | Group Stage

Oct 16, 2012 at 5pm UK

Serbia Serbia
0-1
England

Sports Minister Hugh Robertson writes to UEFA president Michel Platini over racial abuse

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 17 October 2012

Sports Minister Hugh Robertson writes to UEFA president Michael Platini to call for strong sanctions following the racial abuse targeted at England Under-21 full-back Danny Rose by Serbian fans.

Sports Minister Hugh Robertson has written to UEFA president Michel Platini regarding sanctions following the racial abuse targeted towards England Under-21 players by Serbian supporters.

Robertson has requested that Platini take firm punishment on the Serbian national side after England full-back Danny Rose was subjected to monkey chants during his side's 1-0 win.

A statement from Robertson 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."

The Serbian side could receive a ban from the tournament or be hit with a fine as a result of the behaviour of their supporters.

Meanwhile, Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has urged UEFA to act "seriously" when issuing punishment.