Gareth Southgate has confirmed that the Football Association has ­reported the “unacceptable” racist abuse aimed at England players by Montenegro fans in Podgorica.

Raheem Sterling, who hit back at the racists after scoring England’s fifth goal in their 5-1 Euro 2020 qualifying win, has called for ­Montenegro to be forced to play their next home game behind closed doors.

Danny Rose was subjected to loud monkey chants when he was booked for a foul late in the game and sources close to the Montenegro fans confirmed racist chanting had been going on all game. It was also heard by 18-year-old Callum Hudson-Odoi on his first start for England.

“It’s unacceptable,” said Southgate, the England manager. “I’ve spoken to our players individually. We’ve got to support them. We will report it. That ­reporting is already in place because so many people in other areas of the ground heard it. I believe the Uefa delegate also heard it. Our part will be to make sure that process is followed, but the players in the dressing room know that as a group of staff and organisation, we’re there for them. That’s the most important thing.

“It’s very sad. We had an excellent performance and we’ve got an 18-year-old being interviewed after the game and he’s having to respond to what’s happened when his evening should be about the joy of his full debut.