England fear racist attacks after Slovakia stadium closed following sick fans’ behaviour

THE FA yesterday sought reassurance from security officers over racism fears ahead of England’s World Cup 2018 qualifier in Slovakia.

The Three Lions’ hosts have been forced to close domestic ground Stadion Antona Malatinskeho for European games following racist abuse from supporters.

Spartak Trnava, who own the ground in which Sam Allardyce‘s tenure as England boss will get underway, must play their next two Uefa-sanctioned matches behind closed doors after their fans were found guilty of racist behaviour in the away Europa League qualifier at Austria Vienna on July 28. They were also fined £50,000.

It is not the first time the Three Lions have been subject to concerns over racism in Slovakia.

In a 2002 Euros qualifier in Bratislava, just 35 miles away, Emile Heskey and Ashley Cole were subjected to sick monkey chants.

The Slovakian FA apologised to both players personally and issued a public apology to the English FA, but escaped with just an £18k fine from Uefa.

Danny Rose was also the target of racist abuse from Serbian fans in an England Under-21s Euro qualifier in October 2012.

Three Lions chiefs have consulted their own in-house security officer ahead of tomorrow’s match.

But he has reassured them that domestic problems in the Slovakian league are less likely to filter onto the European stage.

He also said authorities were encouraged that no racism surfaced in England's Euros clash with Slovakia in St Etienne.

But English authorities are firm in their stance against racist abuse and want to stamp it out altogether, prompting them to take extra precaution.

An FA spokesman told The Daily Express: "As usual, we are working closely with the relevant authorities in the build-up, during and after the match."

Fifa have specifically assigned their own security officer for the encounter.

Big Sam brazenly announced his starting lineup for the match two days before kick-off.

John Stones, Jordan Henderson and Adam Lallana come in for Chris Smalling, Dele Alli and Daniel Sturridge.

Slovakia are expected to field the same XI who held England to a 0-0 draw in France this summer, with Marek Hamsik the key man.