In the wake of the Euro 2024 football match in Hamburg between Serbia, Croatia, and Albania on Wednesday, the Serbian camp has accused Croatia and Albania of fostering a hostile atmosphere. Serbia’s Football Association General Secretary, Jovan Surbatovic, stated their fans were subjected to violent chants such as “Kill, kill, kill the Serb” during the game which concluded in a 2-2 draw, and has forwarded a formal complaint to Uefa.
Surbatovic has issued a stark warning that Serbia might consider pulling out of the tournament if Uefa fails to impose sanctions. This threat has been voiced despite the fact that Serbia itself, was recently subject to a Uefa charge in relation to incidents during their loss to England on the previous Sunday.
Serbia’s PTC cited Surbatovic as expressing gratitude for the support their fans showed during the England match and his expectation for their future game against Slovenia. He denounced the incidents as controversial and insisted on Uefa imposing sanctions, commenting on their readiness to quit the competition if no corrective measures were taken.
Earlier on Monday, Uefa had charged the Serbian Football Association for their fans brandishing a banner with an inappropriate and provocative message during a sporting event, and for hurling objects inside the ground. Uefa’s move was prompted by the Kosovo Football Federation’s complaint about Serbian fans exhibiting political, chauvinistic and racist messages against Kosovo during England’s 1-0 defeat of Serbia.
Surbatovic defended Serbia’s fans, claiming that despite the isolated violations, their behaviour was far superior to others. He divulged that a single fan was reprimanded for racist contempt but insisted that it should not tarnish the reputation of others. He concluded by saying, “We Serbs are gentlemen and we have an open heart.”
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