Serbia under investigation for Euro 2024 rule breaches that could see them face huge UEFA punishment
The Serbian national team are facing disciplinary action after their Euro 2024 opening fixture against England.
England’s Euro 2024 campaign got underway on Sunday night, as they defeated Serbia 1-0 in the Arena Aufschalke in Gelsenkirchen.
The Three Lions are favourites to win the tournament, ahead of France, hosts Germany and Portugal.
Although they lost the fixture, Serbia made things difficult for Gareth Southgate's side, despite being nearly 30 places lower in the FIFA rankings.
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But their promising performance could be undermined as UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against the national team.
The European governing body have levied charges against Serbia for “throwing objects” and “transmitting a provocative message unfit for a sports event” during their first Euro 2024 fixture.
The incident in question involved Serbian fans displaying the Russian flag throughout the match due to their nation’s public support of Vladimir Putin’s war with Ukraine.
The gesture from Serbia supporters could be seen by some as provocative because Ukraine, who lost their opening fixture 3-0 to Romania, are also participating in the tournament.
However, Russia remains a member of UEFA and, despite being banned from participating in international football, members of the Russian media were granted accreditation for this year’s competition.
A more serious display by Serbian fans also being investigated is a map of their home country including neighbouring country Kosovo, which has long been claimed by Serbia.
Alongside the map, was the message ‘nema predaje’ which translates to ‘never surrender.’
UEFA have announced that their Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body would decide on a punishment for the conduct, with a heavy fine reportedly the likely outcome.
The European body said: “Furthermore, an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding alleged discriminatory behaviour.”
Serbia’s next fixture at Euro 2024 is against Slovenia on Thursday afternoon, while England play Denmark in the other group C match.
Ben McCrum