"Every inappropriate reaction, insult or incident could cost us dearly on our path to the USA, Mexico and Canada, including the possibility of having to play a decisive match with Albania behind closed doors. That is the reason I sincerely and seriously call on you: let us cheer from the heart but let it be fair. We can be loud but dignified. Let our support be a source of strength, not a risk for the national team."
"We had a meeting and discussed the Uefa protocols that are in place. We don't like to discuss it too much. Our focus is on the game. Anything can happen but we are not thinking about that. We are prepared to do what Uefa protocols allow us to do. I thought we handled it well in Bulgaria [in 2019]. We are prepared, had a discussion and if it [racist abuse] does happen we will be prepared to do what is necessary."
At least 15% of Belgrade's Rajko Mitic Stadium will be closed to home fans as a FIFA punishment for racist chanting in a match against Andorra. The Football Association of Serbia (FSS) has been fined more than 600,000 by FIFA and UEFA in the past five years for prohibited items, insults, and discrimination in the stands. FSS general secretary Branko Radujko warned supporters that UEFA special monitoring could lead to heavier penalties, including a decisive match with Albania being played behind closed doors. England captain Harry Kane confirmed that teams discussed UEFA protocols and said players are prepared to act if racist abuse occurs. UEFA's three-point protocol asks referees to stop the game and make an announcement, then pause for five to ten minutes and remove players if abuse continues.
Read at www.bbc.com
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