Uefa investigating alleged racist chanting by Serbia fans in England game

Uefa is investigating allegations of discriminatory chanting by Serbia fans during their team’s 1-0 defeat against England in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday.

England players were reportedly targeted with racist abuse during the match, although it is understood that no complaints have been made from the England camp.

The Kosovan federation had earlier complained to Uefa about Serbian flags, chants and banners at the match, which it claimed contained “political, chauvinistic and racist messages against Kosovo”.

European football’s governing body confirmed an ethics and disciplinary inspector would conduct an investigation into “alleged discriminatory behaviour” by Serbian fans, supposedly made by a spectator inside the Arena AufSchalke during the first half of proceedings there on Sunday. Uefa’s investigation is expected to take a number of weeks.

Serbia have 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.

In November, Serbia were ordered to play their Euro 2024 qualifier against Bulgaria in a partially closed stadium after racist abuse marred their win against Montenegro.

On Tuesday it was confirmed that a man has been detained upon his return to the United Kingdom following fan disorder before England’s win in Gelsenkirchen. The 39-year-old from Bolton was returning to Manchester Airport from Germany on Monday when he was detained by officers under the Football Spectators Act 1989. His passport has been kept by police and he will be forced to attend Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday for a Civil Football Banning Order Hearing.

Mick Johnson, head of the UK Football Policing Unit, said: “This action shows the breadth of the Euro 2024 football policing operation and demonstrates there are consequences for supporters who are intent on causing disorder. Any UK football supporter causing disorder in Germany which would be deemed an offence in this country could face police action upon their return.

“We want fans who are travelling to Germany to have a good time, but please remember to drink responsibly, respect the local culture and don’t put yourself in danger.”