Montenegro promises to ban racist fans as UEFA launch probe

Montenegro is now formally charged and facing a partial closure of their stadium for the next Euro 2020 qualifier after UEFA opened an investigation into alleged racist chanting during Monday's 5-1 defeat against England in Montenegro's capital of Podgorica.

The European soccer's governing body launched the disciplinary proceedings following protests from England coach Gareth Southgate and a number of players, including goal scorer Raheem Sterling, after the match.

The case will be dealt with by UEFA on May 16.

The Montenegrin FA said on Tuesday that it would ban any supporters found to have racially abused England's black players.

Gareth Southgate said he "definitely" heard racist chants aimed at Danny Rose during the win, which gave the Three Lions a perfect two-wins-from-two start in their Group A campaign.

"There is no doubt in my mind it happened," said Southgate.

England controls the ball during the game between Montenegro and England in Podgorica, Montenegro, March 25, 2019. /VCG Photo 

Sterling celebrated England's fifth goal by cupping his ears towards the home fans, later revealing on Twitter that the gesture was directed at "racists" in the crowd.

Manchester City attacker Sterling called for stadium bans for countries whose fans racially abuse players.

"You've got to make it a bit harder, punish fans that can't come to games. Do something that's going to make them think twice. If their team can't play with fans, it's going to be difficult."

In October, Romania were ordered to play one match behind closed doors following "racist behavior" during their Nations League match against Serbia.