Montenegro loses appeal against playing next home match behind closed doors

UEFA has rejected Montenegro’s appeal against playing their next home match behind closed doors after some of their supporters racially abused England players in March. Danny Rose, Raheem Sterling and Callum Hudson-Odoi were particularly targeted by groups of home fans within the Gradski Stadion in Podgorica during the Three Lions’ 5-1 Euro 2020 qualifying win. Montenegro were subsequently ordered by UEFA to play their June 7 qualifier at home to Kosovo in an empty stadium, and the original ruling has been upheld. A UEFA statement read: “The appeal lodged by Football Association of Montenegro has been dismissed.” Sterling celebrated his goal in the game in front of the Montenegrin fans, who were heard directing monkey chants to England’s black players. Further charges, carrying fines amounting to 20,000 euros (£17,260), were handed down by the governing body to Montenegro for the setting off of fireworks, throwing objects on to the pitch, crowd disturbances and stairways being blocked. Topics England, Montenegro, Montenegro, UEFA, England UEFA urged to take stronger action in tackling racism Montenegro should face stadium ban for racist abuse, says Sterling “Shame” of racial abuse was on Sterling’s mind UEFA due to launch inquiry after racist abuse in Montenegro v England match Villa boss Dean Smith: Jack Grealish will cost someone a hell of a lot of money Moore to talk to UEFA boss about ticket allocation Dundee Utd and St Mirren play out goalless stalemate in play-off final first leg Union Berlin draw with Stuttgart to boost bid for Bundesliga place Bury owner makes illness claims but promises to speed up sale of club 7 new rule changes are coming to the Premier League – but are they good or bad? Tottenham star ‘will be a Real Madrid player’ after the Champions League final – report Manchester United 1998/99: still England’s greatest side Quiz! Can you name the title winners of these five European leagues since 1990? Ranked! The 8 best captains in Premier League history