'Anything Can Happen': Harry Kane Says England Prepared Amid Racism Fears In Serbia

Last Updated:September 09, 2025, 08:25 IST

Serbian fans have been warned to behave during the qualifier against England or risk jeopardising their World Cup hopes.

Harry Kane with teammates during a training session at St George's Park. (AP Photo)

England captain Harry Kane has confirmed that UEFA’s three-step protocol for addressing discriminatory behaviour has been discussed by the players due to concerns of racist abuse in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier in Serbia. Kane and his team are in Belgrade for a crucial match at the Rajko Mitic Stadium, where capacity has been reduced by 15 per cent due to past fan behaviour.

FIFA penalised the Football Association of Serbia (FSS) for “discrimination and racist abuse" during a match against Andorra in June. Following the latest incident, the FSS has urged Serbian fans to “support our national team in the right way" against England, who faced racist abuse during their 2019 trips to Montenegro and Bulgaria.

What Harry Kane Said About England’s Potential Response

Kane, who also captained the team during those incidents in Podgorica and Sofia, stated that England’s players have discussed UEFA’s protocols and are ready to leave the pitch if necessary.

“We had a meeting and discussed UEFA’s protocols," he told reporters on Monday. “We don’t like to dwell on it too much. Our focus is on the game and beating Serbia on the pitch. Anything can happen, of course, and we’re prepared for that, but ultimately, we’re thinking about football. As the Serbia FA said, it’s about enjoying and respecting the game, and we hope that’s the case."

When asked if he would take the players off the pitch in protest against any racist abuse, Kane replied: “We’re prepared to follow UEFA protocols. I thought we handled the situation in Bulgaria really well. It won’t be any different here. These are difficult things to discuss now because we don’t know if it will happen, but we’re prepared. We’ve had a group discussion, so if it does happen, we’ll do what’s necessary."

England Manager Thomas Tuchel Hopeful Of No Incidents

England manager Thomas Tuchel hopes the high-stakes qualifier between the top two in Group K will proceed without incidents in the stands.

“The people at the FA spoke with us about it. We are aware," said Tuchel, whose team is five points ahead of Serbia. “I always believe in the good, so I hope for a high-level sporting competition and that we can celebrate the sport for what it is, a respectful and emotional match."

Serbian fans have been warned by FSS general secretary Branko Radujko to behave on Tuesday or risk jeopardising their World Cup hopes.

“This match carries great responsibility. We are still under special monitoring by UEFA," he said. “Any inappropriate reaction, insult, or incident could greatly harm our path to the USA, Mexico, and Canada, including the possibility of playing a decisive match against Albania behind closed doors."

“That is why I sincerely and seriously urge you: let us cheer passionately but fairly. We can be loud but dignified. Let our support be a source of strength, not a risk for our national team."

With AFP Inputs

Feroz Khan

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital...Read More

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience in digital...

Read More

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News sports 'Anything Can Happen': Harry Kane Says England Prepared Amid Racism Fears In Serbia

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