Serbia vs. England World Cup Qualifier Halted by Laser Incident Involving Ezri Konsa

World Cup qualifying match against Serbia was temporarily halted due to fan interference with a laser pointer. Read about the incident and other disruptions at the Belgrade stadium.">

September 9, 2025

belgrade, Serbia – England secured a decisive 5-0 victory over Serbia in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match, but the game was marred by disruptive behavior from a section of the home crowd. The match, held at the Stadion Rajko Mitic in Belgrade, experienced a brief suspension after a laser pointer was directed at English players.

Laser Incident Halts Play

During the 38th minute of the contest, the referee, Clement Turpin, was compelled to pause the game when a green laser beam was shone into the face of Defender Ezri Konsa. Konsa promptly reacted, visibly startled by the light. Prior to this, a similar incident targeted Reece James as he prepared to take a free kick.

Following Konsa’s reaction, Turpin swiftly consulted with the fourth official, leading to a temporary stoppage. A public address declaration shortly after urged fans to refrain from using laser pointers or setting off pyrotechnics. This type of disruption has become increasingly prevalent in football stadiums globally. According to a 2023 report by the Football Safety Officers Association, incidents involving laser pointers have risen by 25% in the past year, posing a notable safety risk to players and officials.

Political Undertones and Stadium Restrictions

Beyond the laser incidents,the match was also affected by political demonstrations within the stadium. Riot police intervened in the stands as home fans engaged in chants directed against their own government and concerning Kosovo. The tensions highlight the complex socio-political climate surrounding some international football matches.

Fifteen percent of the Stadion Rajko Mitic was already closed to Serbian supporters as a sanction imposed by FIFA due to previous instances of racist chanting during a match against Andorra. The Serbian Football Association (FSS) has accumulated over £600,000 in fines from FIFA and UEFA over the last five years due to fan misconduct.

Incident	Details
Laser pointer	Directed at Ezri Konsa and Reece James, causing a temporary stoppage of play.
Political Chanting	Anti-government and Kosovo-related chants led to police intervention.
Stadium Closure	15% of the stadium was closed due to previous racist behavior.
FSS Fines	The Serbian FA has been fined over £600,000 in the last five years.

Did You No? Laser pointers can cause temporary blindness and disorientation, posing a genuine threat to player safety and potentially affecting the outcome of a match.

Pro tip: Stadium authorities are increasingly utilizing technology to identify and remove individuals engaging in disruptive behavior, including the use of laser pointers.

The events in Belgrade underscore the ongoing challenges of maintaining order and safety at international football matches and call for stricter enforcement of regulations to protect players and ensure a fair sporting habitat.

What measures do you think are most effective in preventing disruptions like these at football matches? And how can FIFA and UEFA work with national associations to address the root causes of fan misconduct?

the use of laser pointers at sporting events has been a recurring issue for decades. While seemingly harmless, these devices can impair a player’s vision at a critical moment, potentially leading to injury or influencing the game’s outcome. Authorities worldwide are grappling with finding effective countermeasures, ranging from increased security personnel and surveillance technology to stricter penalties for offenders. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible fan behavior and the ongoing need for vigilance in safeguarding the integrity of the sport.

Frequently Asked Questions about Laser Pointers in Football

• What is the danger of a laser pointer aimed at a player? A laser pointer can cause temporary vision impairment, disorientation, and even potential eye damage.
• Are laser pointers illegal at football matches? Yes, the use of laser pointers is illegal and prohibited at most football stadiums.
• What penalties do fans face for using laser pointers? Penalties can range from ejection from the stadium to fines and even criminal charges.
• What is FIFA doing to address this issue? FIFA works with national associations to increase security and enforce stricter penalties for disruptive behavior.
• Is there a technological solution to prevent laser pointer incidents? Some stadiums are exploring technology to detect and disable laser pointers.
• How ofen do incidents involving laser pointers occur in football? Incidents have been on the rise in recent years, with a 25% increase reported by the Football Safety Officers Association in 2023.
• What role do stadium authorities play in preventing laser pointer misuse? Stadium authorities are responsible for employing security personnel, implementing surveillance systems, and educating fans about the dangers and consequences of using laser pointers.

Share your thoughts on this incident in the comments below. What steps should be taken to ensure player safety and maintain the integrity of the game?

What security measures are being considered to prevent future laser pointer incidents at international football matches?

the Incident: A Laser Disrupts International Football

The 2025 World Cup Qualifier between Serbia and England on September 9th was temporarily halted due to a disturbing incident: a laser pointer was repeatedly directed at England defender Ezri Konsa. The match, a crucial fixture in the qualifying campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was paused in the first half as referee josé María Sánchez Martínez addressed the situation.

This wasn’t a fleeting moment.Reports indicate the laser was visible on Konsa’s face for a sustained period,causing clear discomfort and potential distraction. The incident immediately sparked outrage and condemnation from fans, pundits, and football authorities alike. The focus quickly shifted to identifying the perpetrator(s) and implementing measures to prevent similar occurrences in future international matches.

Details of the Disruption & Referee Action

The laser incident occurred approximately 12 minutes into the first half. Konsa, preparing to defend a Serbian corner kick, was visibly targeted.

Here’s a breakdown of the key events:

Initial Targeting: The laser was first shone in Konsa’s face as he positioned himself for the set piece.

referee Intervention: Referee Sánchez martínez immediately stopped play and consulted with his assistants.

Warning to Stadium Officials: The referee communicated with stadium security and Serbian Football Association officials, demanding action to identify and remove the individual(s) responsible.

Temporary Suspension: play was suspended for several minutes while security personnel attempted to locate the source of the laser.

Resumption of Play: After a delay,and with assurances from Serbian authorities,the match resumed. However,the incident cast a shadow over the remainder of the qualifier.

The referee’s decisive action, while temporarily disrupting the game, was crucial in prioritizing player safety. FIFA and UEFA have strict protocols regarding player safety,and the use of laser pointers falls squarely within prohibited behaviors.

Player reactions & Concerns: Ezri konsa and Beyond

Ezri Konsa himself appeared shaken by the incident, though he was able to continue playing after a brief assessment. Post-match, Konsa expressed his discomfort and concern, highlighting the potential danger posed by such actions.

Other players and England manager Gareth Southgate also voiced their disapproval. Southgate emphasized the need for robust security measures to protect players from disruptive and potentially harmful behavior. Concerns were raised about the possibility of the laser causing temporary blindness or impacting Konsa’s concentration, potentially leading to injury.

Serbian Football Association Response & Potential Sanctions

The Serbian Football Association (FSS) swiftly condemned the incident and pledged full cooperation with FIFA and UEFA investigations. They initiated their own internal examination to identify the individual(s) responsible.

Potential sanctions for the FSS could include:

Financial Penalties: Substantial fines levied by FIFA and/or UEFA.

Partial Stadium Closure: Ordering the closure of a section of the stadium for future matches.

Full Stadium Closure: In more severe cases, a complete stadium closure could be imposed.

Points Deduction: A more drastic sanction, potentially impacting Serbia’s World Cup qualifying chances.

The severity of the sanctions will depend on the findings of the investigations and the FSS’s demonstrated commitment to preventing future incidents. This incident brings renewed focus on stadium safety and security protocols within Serbia, and across international football.

History of Laser Incidents in Football

Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated event. laser pointers have been used disruptively at football matches for years.

Here are some notable past incidents:

2014 world Cup: A laser was directed at argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero during a match against Iran.

2018 Champions League: Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius was targeted with a laser during a semi-final against Roma.

Numerous Domestic League games: Incidents have occurred in various European leagues, including the English Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A.

These incidents highlight the ongoing challenge of preventing disruptive behavior in stadiums and protecting players from potential harm. Increased security measures, stricter penalties, and public awareness campaigns are all crucial components of addressing this issue.

Security Measures & Future Prevention

Following the Serbia vs. England incident, calls for enhanced security measures have intensified. Potential solutions include:

Improved Stadium Surveillance: Implementing more sophisticated CCTV systems with enhanced zoom capabilities to quickly identify individuals using laser pointers.

Increased Security Personnel: Deploying more security staff within stadiums, specifically trained to identify and address disruptive behavior.

Pre-Match Bag checks: Conducting thorough bag checks to prevent the entry of laser pointers and other prohibited items.

Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating fans about the dangers and consequences of using laser pointers at football matches.

* Technological Solutions: Exploring the use of technology to detect and disable laser pointers in real-time.

The implementation of these measures will require a collaborative effort between football authorities, stadium operators, and law enforcement agencies. The goal is to create a safe and respectful environment for players, officials, and fans alike.

World Cup Qualifying Implications

The disruption, while addressed, added another layer of complexity to an already tense World Cup qualifying match. The result of the game, and its impact on both serbia and England’s chances of reaching the 2026 World Cup, will be closely scrutinized. The