A high-stakes Euro 2024 encounter between England and Serbia was dramatically interrupted after a laser pointer was shone from the stands, directly targeting England players on the pitch. The incident, which occurred during the first half of the Group C fixture in Gelsenkirchen, prompted match officials to halt play temporarily.
The beam was visibly directed at England stars, including midfielder Jude Bellingham, who had earlier scored the match's only goal. Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa was also a target of the irresponsible act, which raised immediate security concerns.
UEFA, European football's governing body, has confirmed it is launching a full disciplinary investigation into the matter. Such actions are a direct breach of UEFA's strict safety and security regulations, which prohibit the use of such devices inside stadiums.
Potential Consequences for Serbian FA
This is not the first time the Serbian Football Association has faced scrutiny for fan behaviour. The latest incident could lead to significant sanctions, including a heavy fine or even forced behind-closed-doors matches for future fixtures. The use of lasers is considered particularly dangerous as they can potentially impair a player's vision.
The match, which England went on to win 1-0, was already under a microscope due to its tense nature. This security breach adds another layer of controversy to the tournament's early stages and will likely prompt a review of security protocols at venues.
