England under-21 defender Danny Rose claimed to have been subjected to monkey chants throughout the contest, while others were pelted with missiles during their 1-0 win which secured a fourth consecutive appearance at the finals of the U21 European Championship.

Both football associations have been charged for the misconduct of their players following a brawl at the full-time whistle, and UEFA are also investigating the alleged racist abuse of England’s players from the stands.

And England's senior skipper, Gerrard, is concerned that, unless strong penalties are handed down by the governing body, the anti-racist message could be tarnished.

He told reporters: "The disappointing thing with what happened last night is it means you are back to square one.

"We seemed to be making great strides forward to get it (racism) out of our game. With a situation like last night, it brings it back to square one.

"It is very disappointing but a lot of people above me need to take control of the situation.

"The authorities have to get tough. It is the only solution. No-one else can do anything about it.

"They are the people in control, who can give out massive huge fines and ban people. Why wait? Do it now."

Rose was sent off at the end of the game after retaliating to the racist abuse by kicking a ball towards the stands, and the Serbian FA have since lambasted the Tottenham youngster, on loan at Sunderland, describing his behaviour as 'inappropriate, unsportsmanlike and vulgar'.

Gerrard's senior colleague Jermain Defoe echoed the statements made by his captain about the despicable scenes in Krusevac.

"If you are getting those sort of chants, it is not nice. It is not nice to experience anything like that," the Spurs striker said after England's 1-1 draw with Poland.

"'I've had a few texts and, from what I understand, it was tough out there for the boys.

"Under-21s and seniors are such big games to play in and all you want to do is to be equal to everyone else."