Uefa is to look into the abuse aimed at Onuoha

Serbian fans taunted England's Nedum Onuoha during the first half and Justin Hoyte was later targeted in the tunnel by opposition players.

Uefa, who made an impromptu anti-racism announcement after the abuse, will wait until it receives the referee's report before deciding any action.

England's 2-0 win secured a place in the European Championships semi-finals.

But the win was overshadowed by the treatment of Onuoha.

England U21 coach Stuart Pearce backed the player to cope with the abuse.

"He's an outstanding young man, not just as a footballer," said Pearce, who coached Onuoha at Manchester City.

"I've got that first-hand knowledge of him and he comes from a great family. He's a credit to the English nation.

"He's such a strong character, that's the case with most of our players. I told them that is what is going to happen at international level.

"It's difficult to keep restraint under provocation. You've got to learn that in football.

Everything started from the second goal when they did not have respect for a player who was on the floor Serbia coach Miroslav Djukic

The game was also overshadowed by England's controversial second goal.

Needing a win to finish second in Group B, Leroy Lita headed England ahead after five minutes.

Matt Derbyshire sealed the win 13 minutes from time, sparking a mass brawl as the Blackburn forward was played onside by Serbia defender Filip Rydel who was down with an ankle injury.

Serbia coach Miroslav Djukic criticised his country's fans but also hit out at England for the way in which they won the game.

He said: "Racism is definitely a bad thing. I did not see or hear what was happening as I was concentrating on the game.

"In my career I played against players from all nations and these things are bad but I also have never seen a player who is hurt and (the opposition) carry on to score a goal.

"It was unfair from England players, who are meant to be gentlemen. Tonight they were not gentlemen.

"Everything started from the second goal when they did not have respect for a player who was on the floor."

Pearce said: "Matt's one of the most genuine people I know.

"He probably would have kicked the ball out if he saw him (defender Slobodan Rajkovic)."

James Milner, who was named man of the match, added: "It was a job well done. We rallied and put in a good performance.

"Their player took the goal-kick after he had gone down. I don't know if it was cramp. I don't think the lads knew anything."

England's Tom Huddlestone, who was a late substitute, received a red card for dissent in the last minute.

"I said you must learn by that. It's wrong what he has done," said Pearce.