Uefa will hit Montenegro with pathetic partial stadium closure over fans' racist abuse of England stars Sterling, Rose and Hudson-Odoi

MONTENEGRO will be charged with racism from their fans today – but are set to get only a partial ground closure.

Uefa have urgently requested the referee and match delegate report after England’s 5-1 win in Podgorica was tarnished by racial abuse.

Raheem Sterling, Danny Rose and Callum Hudson-Odoi were all subjected to monkey chants and other disgusting taunts during the game.

Sterling, who cupped his ears to the home fans after netting England’s fifth, posted a social media message after the game, stating: “Best way to silence the haters (yeah I mean racists”.

England boss Gareth Southgate confirmed the FA would be making an official protest to Uefa and demanding action over the “unacceptable” incidents.

The appalling scenes were made worse when Montenegro coach Ljubisa Tumbakovic insisted he had heard nothing and added he did not “see the reason why I should be commenting on that”.

But Uefa have launched an urgent probe with a charge almost certain to follow for the Montenegrin FA today.

Uefa’s Article 14 states: “If one or more of a member association or club’s supporters engage in the behaviour that insults the human dignity of a person or group on grounds including skin colour, race, religion or ethnic origin, the member association or club responsible is punished with a minimum of a partial stadium closure.”

Repeat offences are punished by being forced to play one match behind closed doors and a fine of around £45,000.

Yet while there have been a number of incidents of fan misbehaviour by Montenegrin supporters in recent years, Uefa are understood to have not previously punished them for racism.

And that suggests a partial stadium closure and fine is the most likely punishment for Monday night’s events.

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