UEFA set to begin investigation over possible racism claims during England vs Serbia encounter

UEFA is looking into claims that supporters of Serbia made racist chants during their team's 1-0 defeat to England on Sunday in Gelsenkirchen in the UEFA Euro 2024. Racist taunts were allegedly directed towards England players during the game, though it's thought that the England team has not filed any complaints.

The Kosovan Federation made a complaint to UEFA over banners, chants, and flags representing Serbia during the game, alleging that they had anti-Kosovo racist sentiments. The ethics and disciplinary investigator will look into "alleged discriminatory behaviour" by Serbian fans, according to a report submitted by a spectator within the Arena AufSchalke during Sunday's first half of play. This was confirmed by the European Football Association's regulatory body. It is anticipated that UEFA's inquiry may take several weeks.

Additionally, Serbia's supporters have been officially charged with two offences: hurling objects into the stadium and flying a banner that transmitted a provocative statement inappropriate for a sports event. In addition to facing criminal prosecution and tournament bans, one England supporter and seven Serbs were involved in a brawl that involved 150 individuals prior to the first Group C match. 

According to German police, the incident in central Gelsenkirchen started when England fans attempted to enter a steakhouse that was packed with Serbian supporters. After receiving medical attention in a hospital, an English fan went to the Arena AufSchalke to watch the match. Following a header by Jude Bellingham during the thirteenth minute, England triumphed 1-0.

What did UEFA say about this incident during the England vs Serbia match?

UEFA were quick to spring into action and released a statement about this incident. The statement read, "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.

The statement added, "Charges against Football Association of Serbia (FSS): Throwing of objects, transmitting a provocative message unfit for a sports event. The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) will decide on the matter in due course.Furthermore, an UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding alleged discriminatory behaviour."