England’s World Cup qualifier against Serbia in Belgrade was briefly paused by the referee after a laser pen was shone from the crowd in Ezri Konsa’s face.
The incident occurred in the 38th minute of the match at the Stadion Rajko Mitic in Belgrade – which the Three Lions went on to win 5-0 – when Konsa threw his head back after seemingly being dazzled by a green light.
A few moments earlier a beam had been directed towards fellow defender Reece James as he prepared to take a free-kick.
French referee Clement Turpin stopped the game momentarily after Konsa reacted and spoke to the fourth official on the touchline.
Shortly after the resumption, there was a message over the public address system which warned fans against the use of laser pens and other pyrotechnics.
In a separate incident, riot police entered the stands midway through the second half after home fans began chanting anti-government songs, while there were also chants related to Kosovo throughout the match.
At least 15% of Belgrade’s stadium was closed to home supporters as a Fifa punishment for racist chanting in a game against Andorra.
A statement from the Serbian FA, external (FSS) said it has been fined more than £600,000 by Fifa and Uefa in the past five years.
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