Serbia face sanction in racism row

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LONDON, England -- UEFA has begun an investigation into a series of unsavory incidents which marred England's 2-0 win over Serbia in the European under-21 Championship in Nijmegen on Sunday night.

The European governing body said they will begin disciplinary proceedings against Serbia for racist chants from their fans and also the conduct of their players both during and after the match.

England players' conduct after the match will also be looked at with reports of an incident in the tunnel.

England's 2-0 win meant they qualified for the semifinals from Group B with the Serbians but the match was played in a poor spirit. Serbian fans taunted England's Nedum Onuoha and Justin Hoyte and the referee halted the match to draw the attention of stadium officials who made an official announcement.

England's second goal from Matt Derbyshire came while Serbia's Slobodan Rajkovic lay on the floor injured, prompting a furious response from their players.

A statement from UEFA said: "In regard to alleged racist chanting, we will instigate proceedings against the FSS (Serbian Football Association) over the misconduct of their supporters.

"Proceedings will also be instigated against the FSS for the improper conduct of their players on two occasions following England's second goal and after the match.

"Uefa will also commence proceedings against the Football Association for the improper conduct of the England players after the match."

All the cases will be discussed at a meeting of UEFA's control and disciplinary body on 12 July. "We have a policy of zero tolerance for racism," said UEFA spokesman William Gaillard.

England's Football Association said later on Monday that it had made a formal complaint to UEFA over the racist abuse directed at their players from Serbian fans and at least one member of the Serbian team in the tunnel after the match.

"We take racism and other forms of discriminatory behaviour extremely seriously and have asked UEFA to investigate these incidents as a matter of urgency," an FA spokesman said. "We will of course co-operate fully with any investigation."

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