Racist crowd monkey noises taint European soccer

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England player Danny Rose gestures as he leaves the pitch after receiving a red card during an Under-21 match between Serbia and England, in Krusevac, Serbia, on Tuesday. Rose mimicked a monkey to demonstrate the racial nature of the abuse he could hear.By Peter Jeary, NBC NewsBritain's government has written to European soccer authorities demanding "tough sanctions" against Serbia after racist chants - including monkey noises - were heard at an international match with England on Tuesday night.

Abuse was hurled at black members of the England Under-21 team in Krusevac, Serbia, according to England officials. The match ended in a series of angry tussles between players on on both sides.

Monkey chants, which the England team captain said came from Serb supporters, were audible on above ambient crowd noise.

British sports Minister Hugh Robertson said Wednesday the scenes at the end of the game were "disgraceful."

"I have written to [Union of European Football Associations] President Michel Platini ... urging them to investigate immediately," he said.

NBCNews