Serbia Threatens Withdrawal from Euro 2024 Due to Chants

Serbia has warned they might withdraw from Euro 2024 due to offensive chants heard during the match between Croatia and Albania.

During the game, which ended in a 2-2 tie, there were chants about harming Serbians. Jovan Surbatovic, the secretary of Serbia’s Football Association, has demanded severe punishment for this behavior.

He stated on RTS, a Serbian broadcaster, that they would call for UEFA to impose sanctions, even if it means Serbia might exit the competition.

Serbia, who are in Group C, started off with a loss against England. Surbatovic is confident that UEFA will take action, especially after they revoked the credentials of Kosovar journalist Arlind Sadiku for making a nationalist gesture at the England match.

Sadiku’s gesture is seen as provocative towards Serbian nationalists and ethnic Albanians in Kosovo. Surbatovic insists that both Croatia and Albania’s football federations should be penalized by UEFA.

The Serbian FA has officially complained to UEFA about the disrespectful chants and is awaiting disciplinary action against Croatia and Albania. Serbia was previously fined for their fans’ misconduct during the England game.

Both Serbia and Albania were also fined for displaying nationalist symbols at their matches. Surbatovic highlighted that these were isolated incidents and urged Serbian fans to maintain their good conduct.