Football News Update: Allegations of Discriminatory Chanting and Charges Investigated by UEFA

UEFA is currently investigating allegations of discriminatory chanting by Serbian fans during their team’s 1-0 loss to England in Gelsenkirchen, Germany on Sunday. The Kosovan federation had earlier complained to UEFA about Serbian flags, chants, and banners at the match, claiming they contained “political, chauvinistic and racist messages against Kosovo“.

UEFA Investigates Alleged Discriminatory Behavior

European football’s governing body has confirmed that an ethics and disciplinary inspector will conduct an investigation into the “alleged discriminatory behavior” by Serbian fans, supposedly made by a spectator inside the Arena AufSchalke during the first half of the proceedings. The investigation is expected to take a number of weeks.

Serbia Charged on Two Counts

Serbia has also been formally charged on two counts: for their supporters displaying a banner that “transmitted a provocative message unfit for a sports event“, and for “throwing objects inside the stadium“. One England fan and seven Serbs are facing criminal charges and tournament bans after a brawl involving 150 people before the opening Group C fixture in the lead-up to the match.

“This incident comes on the heels of Serbia being ordered to play their Euro 2024 qualifier against Bulgaria in a partially closed stadium in November, following racist abuse that marred their win over Montenegro.”

The UEFA investigation into the alleged discriminatory chanting and charges against Serbia will be closely watched by football fans and governing bodies alike, as they continue to tackle issues of racism and discrimination within the sport.

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