UEFA to probe under-21 'racism'

UEFA are set to launch an investigation into the scenes that marred England Under-21's victory over Serbia that secured a place in the European Championships semi-finals.

Nedum Onuoha was racially abused by Serbia fans during the first half in Nijmegen and Justin Hoyte was targeted in the tunnel by players after the 2-0 win.

UEFA were forced to make an impromptu anti-racism announcment at Goffert Stadion after the abuse aimed at Onuoha. Officials will wait until they receive a match report before deciding whether to take action.

"He's an outstanding young man, not just as a footballer," said boss Stuart Pearce, who coached Onuoha at Manchester City.

"I've got that first-hand knowledge of him and he comes from a great family. He's a credit to the English nation.

"He's such a strong character, that's the case with most of our players. I told them that is what is going to happen at international level. It's difficult to keep restraint under provocation. You've got to learn that in football."

Needing a win to finish second in Group B, Leroy Lita headed England ahead after five minutes - Matt Derbyshire sealed the win 13 minutes from time, sparking a mass brawl as Serbia defender Slobodan Rajkovic was down with an ankle injury.

There was still time for Tom Huddlestone to receive a red card for dissent almost immediately after coming on as a substitute, and Pearce added: "I said you must learn by that. It's wrong what he has done."

Serbia coach Miroslav Djukic added: "Racism is definitely a bad thing. I did not see or hear what was happening as I was concentrating on the game.

"In my career I played against players from all nations and these things are bad but I also have never seen a player who is hurt and (the opposition) carry on to score a goal."