Tensions have escalated in Euro 2024 as Serbia threatens to withdraw from the tournament following offensive chants heard during their 2-2 draw in a Group B match. The chants, referencing the killing of Serbians, have sparked outrage among Serbian officials and fans.
Jovan Surbatovic, the general secretary of the Football Association of Serbia, has called for the strongest possible sanctions in response to the incident. Speaking to the Serbian state-owned broadcaster RTS, Surbatovic expressed his indignation: “What happened is scandalous and we will ask [European governing body] Uefa for sanctions, even if it means not continuing the competition.”
The controversy adds to the already tense atmosphere surrounding Serbia’s participation in Euro 2024. Serbia, competing in Group C, began the tournament with a narrow 1-0 defeat by England on Sunday. The latest incident threatens to overshadow the team’s efforts on the pitch as officials focus on addressing the off-field issues.
The chants were widely condemned, with many calling for immediate action to ensure such behavior is not repeated. Surbatovic’s demand for severe sanctions underscores the gravity with which the Serbian Football Association views the incident. “We are sure they will be punished,” he said, referring to the expected response from Uefa.
This incident follows Uefa’s recent decision to revoke the credentials of Kosovar journalist Arlind Sadiku, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing tensions. The revocation was seen by some as a politically charged move, further highlighting the fraught relationship between certain factions within the tournament.
As the footballing world watches closely, the spotlight is on Uefa to take decisive action. The governing body’s response will not only impact Serbia’s participation in Euro 2024 but also set a precedent for handling similar incidents in the future.
The Serbian team, fans, and officials await Uefa’s decision, which will determine whether the team continues in the tournament or stands by their threat to withdraw. The outcome of this situation will have significant implications for Euro 2024 and the broader landscape of international football.
For now, the Serbian squad remains focused on their upcoming matches, though the cloud of uncertainty looms large. The football community will be watching closely as Uefa navigates this challenging scenario, with the hope that the spirit of the sport prevails over divisive and offensive actions.
