Noble in England storm

  • by Matthew O'Greel
  • Sunday, 17th June 2007

Mark Noble was at the centre of an on-field brawl as England's under-21s progressed to the semi-final stage of the European Championships.

Noble was caught in the middle of a furore which resulted after Blackburn's Matt Derbyshire scored England's second - and decisive - goal.

The Serbian players were incensed after Derbyshire played to the referee's whistle - or lack of it - despite a Serbian defender lying prone on the edge of the penalty box.

And Noble was one of several English players caught up in the backlash as Serbian players protested; protets which continued into the tunnel after the game.

Noble - a second half substitute - is likely to begin Wednesday's semi-final against the hosts Holland as Tottenham's Tom Huddlestone was sent off for swearing at the linesman.

The match was sadly marred by racist chanting from Serbian fans during the first half. The English FA have sent an official letter of complaint to UEFA; Serbia, who had already qualified for the semis prior to last night's game could be thrown out of the competition.

Nigel Reo-Coker also played in the game.

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