SERBIA have threatened to QUIT Euro 2024 in a shocking turn of events.
Here’s everything you need to know about why the Balkan nation is considering pulling out.
Why are England’s rivals Serbia threatening to pull out of Euro 2024?
Serbia have threatened to pull out of Euro 2024 after accusing Croatia and Albania fans of shouting vile chants at the tournament.
England’s first-round opponents claim supporters from their two fellow Balkan nations chanted “Kill, kill, kill the Serb” during Wednesday’s 2-2 draw between the two nations in Group B.
The General Secretary of the Football Association of Serbia, Jovan Surbatovic, has submitted a request for Uefa to punish both Croatia and Albania for the alleged chants in the 59th minute.
And he has warned that Serbia are ready to walk away from Euro 2024 if no action is taken.
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He said, via RTS: “First of all, I want to thank our fans for their support in the match against England and I hope we will beat Slovenia.
“What happened is scandalous and we will ask UEFA for sanctions, even if it means not continuing the competition.
“We are sure that they will be punished, because they have already responded to our appeal to remove the so-called journalist from Albania from the championship.
“We will demand from UEFA to punish the federations of both selections. We do not want to participate in that, but if UEFA does not punish them, we will think how will we proceed.
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“We were punished for isolated cases and our fans behaved much better than the others.
“One fan was punished for racist insults and we don’t want it to be attributed to others.
“We Serbs are gentlemen and we have an open heart, so I appeal to the fans to remain gentlemen.”
How much were Serbia fined in Euro 2024?
The amount of the fine is yet to be determined.
Uefa said its Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body would decide the punishment in the coming days.
But a further charge for the Serbs — and a heavier fine — seems likely, too.
Uefa added: “Furthermore, an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding alleged discriminatory behaviour.”
Why were Serbia fined in Euro 2024?
Serbia face a heavy Uefa fine after brandishing controversial flags to taunt other countries.
Uefa announced it had opened disciplinary proceedings and levied charges of “throwing objects” and “transmitting a provocative message unfit for a sports event” during the 1-0 defeat at the hands of England in Gelsenkirchen.
Serbia is a public ally of Russia in its war with Ukraine and supporters brandished the red white and blue flag of the Moscow-run state.
That could be seen as “provocative” given the feelings of not just Ukraine but also Poland and the Baltic states, who are fearful of being the next victims of Russian territorial aggression.
Some Serbian fans also displayed a land map of the country which included neighbouring Kosovo, long claimed by the Belgrade regime.
That bore the message “nema predaje”, which means “never surrender” and suggested backing for the Serbian ambitions.
What happens to Group C if Serbia pull out of Euro 2024?
Serbia’s next game sees them playing Slovenia at 2pm on the afternoon of Thursday, June 20.
Should they end up withdrawing from the Euros, it would see their final group stage game against Denmark fall through.
According to Uefa laws, the Danes would be handed an automatic 3-0 win and Serbia would also land a huge fine.
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As the governing body’s laws state (article 30.01): “If an association refuses to play or is responsible for a match (including kicks from the penalty mark) not taking place or not being played in full, the Uefa Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body declares the match forfeited by the association concerned.
“Moreover, if the circumstances of the case so justify, the Uefa Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body may impose any further disciplinary measures deemed appropriate on the association concerned, including the disqualification from the competition.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
