STUART Pearce has defended Blackburn Rovers striker Matt Derbyshire after the youngster netted England's controversial second in last night's Under-21 European Championships success over Serbia.

The 21-year-old, a second-half substitute for Leroy Lita, who had previously headed the Three Lions in front, carried on playing as a Serbian player was grounded waiting for treatment, sparking a mass brawl as he celebrated his decisive strike.

But Pearce hit back at claims of bad sportsmanship from Derbyshire.

He said: "Matt's probably one of the most genuine people I've met, he probably would have kicked the ball out if he saw him."

The match in Nijmegen was marred by trouble and UEFA were forced to make an impromptu anti-racism announcement after defender Nedum Onuoha was racially abused by Serbia fans in the first half, then Justin Hoyte was later abused in the tunnel.

England needed a win to reach the last four, and Leroy Lita headed them into a fifth-minute lead before the trouble started.

Serbia, fielding a second string as they were already in the semi-finals, created chances but Derbyshire completed victory with 13 minutes remaining.

There was still time for Tom Huddlestone to receive a red card for dissent almost immediately after coming on as a substitute.

Pearce said: "We're delighted to be in the semi-final. The positives are we are still undefeated."

UEFA will wait for their delegate to produce a match report before action is considered.

The England coach added: "One individual manager sat here won't make a difference.

"It's the powers that be. They were at the game, they saw what went on and will take action if needs be."

Serbian coach Miroslav Djukic was upset at England players carrying on as his player was injured.

He said: "It was a normal reaction, it was unfair from England players, who are meant to be gentlemen. Tonight they were not gentlemen.

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

He added: "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 form all nations and these things are bad but I also have never seen a player who is hurt and carry on to score a goal."