Euro 2024 Germany: Serbia threaten to quit Euro 2024 over chants

Published on 2024-07-17 06:22:56From：Football World+Entering

Serbia has threatened to withdraw from Euro 2024 following chanting between Croatia and Albania fans. GETTY IMAGES

Serbia has threatened to withdraw from Euro 2024 following chanting between Croatia and Albania fans during Wednesday's match, where chants about the killing of Serbians were audible in the 2-2 Group B draw. UEFA has initiated an investigation into the incident.

Jovan Surbatovic, the general secretary of the Football Association of Serbia, has called for severe sanctions, stating to Serbian broadcaster RTS, "What happened is scandalous and we will ask UEFA for sanctions, even if it means not continuing the competition."

Surbatovic expressed confidence in UEFA taking action after the organisation revoked the credentials of Kosovar journalist Arlind Sadiku for making a nationalist double-handed eagle gesture towards Serbian fans during the England match. The gesture mimics Albania's national flag and can heighten tensions between Serbian nationalists and ethnic Albanians.

"We will demand UEFA to punish both federations," Surbatovic added. "If UEFA does not act, we will consider our next steps." The Serbian FA has formally protested to UEFA, highlighting the "shameful joint chanting" and urging disciplinary action against the Croatian and Albanian FAs for potential racist or discriminatory conduct by their supporters.

Serbia have threatened to leave Euro 2024, over chants involving fans of Albania and Croatia. GETTY IMAGES

In response to the incidents, UEFA confirmed disciplinary proceedings against both federations and is also investigating Albania forward Mirlind Daku for alleged inappropriate behavior after the match. Serbia had previously been fined €14,501 for objects thrown by fans during the England match, while both Serbia and Albania were fined for nationalist displays in their opening matches.

Surbatovic defended Serbian fans, stating, "We were punished for isolated cases, and our fans behaved much better than others. We Serbs are gentlemen with open hearts." Following Serbia's 1-1 draw against Slovenia, Serbian fans expressed mixed opinions on their FA's stance. "We shouldn't mix politics and sport," said one fan, while another remarked, "Everybody should do what they want."

Serbia, in Group C, currently has one point after two matches, having lost to England in their opening fixture.