Montenegro to play next game behind closed doors after racist abuse of England stars including Sterling and Hudson-Odoi
Three Lions ace Sterling cupped his ears after scoring following the abuse during the Euro 2020 qualifier in Podgorica last month
MONTENEGRO will play their next home game behind closed doors as punishment for the racist abuse of England players last month.
Raheem Sterling cupped his ears with his hands after scoring in England's 5-1 win in Podgorica after Danny Rose and Callum Hudson-Odoi were targeted by home fans during the Euro 2020 qualifier.
Following a Uefa disciplinary commission ruling, Montenegro will take on Kosovo on June 7 in front of empty stands.
The Montenegro FA responded by saying: "Due to racist outbursts of a small number of mindless fans, our national selection will play the next qualifying game in front of the empty stands at the City Stadium in Podgorica."
Sterling was among Three Lions stars to slam the home fans' behaviour last month.
And the minimum the Manchester City striker wanted was for home fans to be banned for a game or more.
The 24-year-old celebrated his late goal with a pointed gesture of defiance.
Then on Instagram he said: "Best way to silence the haters (yeah I mean racists).”
“I just wanted to show them that you are going to need more than that to upset and stop us.
“It’s a shame to see this keep going on. We can only bring awareness to this situation and it’s now time for the people in charge to put a real stamp on it.
"You can fine someone but what is that going to do? You have to make it a bit harder, you’ve got to punish either the whole fans that comes to games.
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“You need to do something to make them think twice because if their team can’t play with fans then it’s going to be difficult for them.
"You’ve got to make them think twice.”
Chelsea winger Hudson-Odoi, 18, and West Ham midfielder Declan Rice made impressive full debuts that night in Podgorica as England roared back from behind to make it two wins from two qualifiers.
