EURO 2024: Serbia hit with UEFA charges and investigation for fan misconduct and discrimination

Kosovan football officials alerted UEFA to flags, chants and banners which they said contained “political, chauvinistic and racist messages” against their country.

Published : Jun 18, 2024 14:59 IST , Gelsenkirchen, Germany - 1 MIN READ

Serbia fans displayed a national flag which included in its borders the territory of Kosovo, its former republic.
Serbia fans displayed a national flag which included in its borders the territory of Kosovo, its former republic. | Photo Credit: Getty Images
infoIcon

Serbia fans displayed a national flag which included in its borders the territory of Kosovo, its former republic. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

UEFA filed one disciplinary charge and opened a separate investigation into alleged discrimination by Serbia fans at the European Championship game against England.

The details were not specified by UEFA on Monday but followed a formal complaint by the football federation of Kosovo, which declared independence from Serbia in 2008 that its neighbor has never recognized.

UEFA’s disciplinary panel will consider a charge against Serbia of its fans “transmitting a provocative message unfit for a sports event” and throwing objects during England’s 1-0 win on Sunday at Gelsenkirchen.

ALSO READ | Police detains eight after clash between Serbia and England fans

Serbia fans displayed a national flag which included in its borders the territory of Kosovo, its former republic.

Kosovan football officials alerted UEFA to flags, chants and banners which they said contained “political, chauvinistic and racist messages” against their country.

The charges should be judged before Thursday, when Serbia plays its second Euro 2024 game against Slovenia in Munich. A fine would typically be imposed in such cases with stricter measures potentially imposed in a future competition.

UEFA gave no timeline for the investigation into alleged discriminatory behavior.

Serbia fans clashed with England fans in the city before the late evening game, but the strict liability federations have under UEFA rules for incidents at stadiums does not always include violent incidents elsewhere.

UEFA has sanctioned Serbia several times in recent seasons for fan misconduct and discrimination, including limiting ticket sales or ordering the team to play in an empty stadium.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment