SERBIA face a heavy Uefa fine for fan taunts during their opening Euro 2024 defeat by England.
Uefa announced it had opened disciplinary proceedings and levied charges of “throwing objects” and “transmitting a provocative message unfit for a sports event” during the match in Gelsenkirchen.
GettySerbia face punishment from UEFA due to fan behaviour[/caption]
APSerbia fans have been accused of ‘transmitting a provocative message’[/caption]
Serbia is a public ally of Russia in its war with Ukraine and supporters brandished the red white and blue flag of the Moscow-run state.
That could be seen as “provocative” given the feelings of not just Ukraine but also Poland and the Baltic states, who are fearful of being the next victims of Russian territorial aggression.
Russia, though, remains a Uefa member and while the country is banned from competitive football, Russian media representatives were given accreditation for the tournament.
But some Serbian fans also displayed a land map of the country which included neighbouring Kosovo, long claimed by the Belgrade regime.
That bore the message “nema predaje”, which means “never surrender” and suggested backing for the Serbian ambitions.
Uefa said its Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body would decide the punishment in the coming days.
But a further charge for the Serbs – and a heavier fine – seems likely, too.
Uefa added: “Furthermore, an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding alleged discriminatory behaviour.”
Serbia suffered a 1-0 defeat to England on Sunday.
Jude Bellingham scored the only goal of the match in the 13th minute.
Serbia next face Slovenia on Thursday, while the Three Lions take on Denmark.