Explained: Why Serbia have threatened to quit Euro 2024 as crude ‘K*ll the Serbs’ chants comes to light
Serbia have threatened to quit the Euro 2024 in light of vulgar chants about their country in Croatia's fixture against Albania yesterday (June 19), according to reports. The Eagles have criticized UEFA for failing to take action after the game.
Croatia played out an entertaining 2-2 draw against Albania this week. Qazim Laci opened the scoring for Albania in the 11th minute. Goals in quick succession from Andrej Kramaric and Klaus Gjasula (OG) saw Croatia go 2-1 up in the second half.
They looked set to grab all three points from their second game of the Euro 2024 before Klaus Gjasula found the equalizer for Albania in stoppage time and earned his redemption.
During the match, supporters from both sides could be heard screaming, 'K*ll the Serbs,' a vile chant aimed at the Eagles. The Serbian FA are not happy and have expressed their disappointment at the lack of action taken by UEFA.
In an attempt to persuade European football's top governing body to punish fans for their behavior, the Eagles have threatened to leave the Euro 2024. The Daily Mail reports that Serbia have also taken issue with a Kosovan TV journalist who aimed an Albanian 'eagle' sign towards their supporters.
The incident occurred during a live broadcast of Serbia's opener against England last Sunday (June 16). However, disciplinary action has been imposed in this regard as the journalist in question has been suspended for the remainder of the tournament.
Serbia fined for breaking two rules in Euro 2024 game against England
While Serbia have questioned the lack of action taken against the aforementioned chants, UEFA have imposed their own punishment on the Eagles. The Serbian FA have been fined €14,500 for breaking two rules in their Euro 2024 opener against England.
The Eagles suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of the Three Lions, with Jude Bellingham's first-half header securing all three points. UEFA have now opened disciplinary proceedings against Serbia for throwing objects and transmitting provocative messages during the match.
They released a statement that read (via The Mirror):
"Disciplinary proceedings have been instigated in accordance with Article 55 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (DR) following the UEFA European Championship group stage match between Serbia and England (0-1) played on 16 June 2024 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany."
"Charges against Football Association of Serbia (FSS): Throwing of objects, Art. 16(2)(b) DR, Transmitting a provocative message unfit for a sports event, Art. 16(2)(e) DR."
The statement continued:
"The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) will decide on the matter in due course. Furthermore, a UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding alleged discriminatory behavior."
Following their defeat to the Three Lions, Serbia find themselves at the bottom of Group C in the Euro 2024 standings. England top the group table with three points while Denmark (second) and Slovenia (third) have secured a point each.