The Football Association of Serbia has issued a stark warning that it may withdraw from Euro 2024 due to controversial chants heard during the Croatia and Albania fans’ encounter last Wednesday.
The chants, which were audible during the Group B match that ended in a 2-2 draw, referenced the killing of Serbians, prompting UEFA to initiate an investigation.
Jovan Surbatovic, the Serbian FA’s general secretary, has demanded the harshest penalties from UEFA, stating on RTS, the Serbian state broadcaster, “What occurred is outrageous, and we will seek sanctions from UEFA, even at the cost of our continued participation in the tournament.”
Serbia’s Euro 2024 campaign in Group C began with a 1-0 loss to England. Surbatovic expressed confidence that punitive measures would follow, especially after UEFA revoked the credentials of Arlind Sadiku, a Kosovar journalist who gestured a nationalist symbol at Serbian supporters during the England match. This symbol, a double-handed eagle gesture, is reminiscent of the Albanian flag’s eagle and is known to exacerbate tensions between Serbian nationalists and ethnic Albanians, who are the majority in Kosovo.
Surbatovic further stated, “We will insist that UEFA penalizes both federations involved. We are reluctant to be part of this, but should UEFA fail to act, we will reconsider our options.”
The Serbian FA has formally communicated with UEFA’s general secretary, Theodore Theodoridis, condemning the “disgraceful joint chanting.” Following this, UEFA confirmed that disciplinary actions are being taken against the Croatian and Albanian football associations to probe the alleged racist and discriminatory behavior of their supporters.
Additionally, UEFA is investigating Albania’s forward Mirlind Daku for purportedly engaging with fans using a megaphone post-match, which could be deemed inappropriate.
The Serbian team was fined £12,250 when their fans threw objects during the match against England. Both Serbia and Albania received fines for their fans’ display of nationalist banners in their opening games.
Surbatovic defended the Serbian fans, stating, “We were sanctioned for isolated incidents, and our fans conducted themselves far better than others.”
He also made an appeal for decorum, “A single fan received punishment for racist remarks, and we do not wish this to reflect on everyone else. We Serbs pride ourselves on being gentlemen with open hearts, and I call on our fans to maintain this gentlemanly conduct.”
Following Serbia’s 1-1 draw with Slovenia in Munich, Serbian supporters shared mixed feelings about their FA’s stance. Bico Kruc remarked, “Politics should not intersect with sports,” while Julian Dragotinovic-Potkovsk said, “Everyone is entitled to their actions. We have our flag and colors, and what others do is of no concern to us.”
Currently, Serbia holds one point in Group C after two games, including the defeat by England. The team’s next steps in the tournament hinge on UEFA’s forthcoming decisions regarding the recent incidents.
Reported By BBC Sports.
