Keeper highlights unity in race row

Scott Carson believes the racist abuse aimed at England Under-21 players has made the squad stronger as they approach the final stages of the European Championships in Holland.

UEFA had to make an announcement to stop Serbia fans chanting at Nedum Onuoha and the Football Association have also filed a complaint over abuse England players suffered from their opponents in the tunnel after the final whistle.

Liverpool goalkeeper Carson, who heard the chants at Onuoha, said: "It wasn't just aimed at the black players in our team, it was aimed at all our team because we're all together in this tournament. We all stuck together and got through it."

Germany striker Aaron Hunt was accused of abusing Anton Ferdinand and Micah Richards during the qualifying play-off, and the finals clash against Serbia on Sunday sparked more controversy.

Players such as Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o have threatened to leave the pitch in the face of racist abuse, but Onuoha admits that would signal victory to the perpetrators.

"I didn't really know what I was supposed to do and walking off the pitch was probably the last thing because we were winning at the time," he said.

"Even if something like that happens, I'd rather stay on for the team and get the result.

"People were talking about banning Serbia from the tournament but they got to the semi-final fair and square.

"I couldn't possibly say what UEFA should do, but sometimes if you send out a massive gesture it causes even more problems. Hopefully UEFA will deal with it in the right way."