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.

One England fan and seven Serbs are also facing criminal charges and tournament bans after a brawl involving 150 people before the opening Group C fixture. The violence in central Gelsenkirchen erupted after England fans had sought to enter a steakhouse full of Serbia supporters, German police have said. One English fan was treated at hospital but discharged himself to attend the game at the Arena AufSchalke. England won 1-0 after a header from Jude Bellingham in the 13th minute.

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.