Prime Minister David Cameron seeks 'tough sanctions' against Serbia after Danny Rose abuse

Prime Minister David Cameron has offered his backing to the Football Association after Danny Rose (left) suffered racial abuse in Serbia

The British Government has entered football's latest racism row, with Prime Minister David Cameron calling for "tough sanctions" against Serbia after England U21 players suffered abuse.

Defender Danny Rose was subjected to monkey chants and gestures by some home fans in Krusevac as Tuesday's European Championship qualifier, which England won with a lone late Connor Wickham goal, ended in chaotic scenes.

Home players kicked out at Rose's team-mates, as well as assistant boss Steve Wigley, before the on-loan Sunderland full-back was sent off after the final whistle for kicking a ball away in a reaction to the taunts.

The Football Association reported "a number" of racist incidents to UEFA after the match but Cameron has since stepped in, echoing Sports Minister Hugh Robertson's call for Serbia to be punished.

Downing Street described Cameron as "appalled" and said UEFA should be willing to impose "tough sanctions".

Robertson has written to the governing body's president, Michel Platini, to demand action but he told Sky Sports News the sort of fine - £16,000 - handed out by UEFA to Serbia when Nedum Onuoha was racially abused in a 2007 meeting between the sides would not be acceptable this time.

"The British Government stands side by side with the FA. Our young players were subjected to extraordinary levels of racism and provocation that have no place in society as a whole, let alone football," he said.

"(£16,000) is a pretty derisory fine and clearly had no effect. It is no good imposing a small fine. They tried that last time and it didn't work so what they have to do if allegations are proved - and looking at the television pictures, I can't see how they won't be - is take this seriously.

"They have a range of sanctions, from banning them, to making them play in empty stadia to a really meaty fine among other things. But whatever they do has to send out a clear, unequivocal message that this sort of behaviour is completely unacceptable."