UEFA European football’s governing body, has launched investigation into reports of monkey chants aimed at England players according to report from The Sun. This occurred during their Euro 2024 clash against Serbia on June 16.
Monkey Chants and Security Response By UEFA
While no England players reported hearing abuse and English FA hasn’t lodged formal complaint, The governing body has taken action based on reports from match observers stationed at stadium in Gelsenkirchen Germany.
According to reports, one Serbian fan was identified making chants but security however did not remove the fan from stadium. Spotters had been trained to identify discriminatory behavior regardless of whether players themselves hear it.
This investigation is part of larger disciplinary process initiated by body following the match. The Serbian Football Association (FSS) faces charges for:
Throwing objects onto field (Article 16(2)(b) of UEFA Disciplinary Regulations) and displaying provocative messages unfit for sporting event (Article 16(2)(e) of UEFA Disciplinary Regulations)
These charges stem from additional fan behavior during game. This includes the display of inflammatory flags related to Kosovo despite prior warnings from UEFA.
The governing body Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB). They will determine the appropriate punishment for FSS and additionally a separate disciplinary investigation is underway by an UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector. This concerns alleged discriminatory behavior.
The match in Gelsenkirchen was marred by issues beyond discriminatory behavior. Fans reported long queues outside the stadium. Poor stewarding further highlighted broader concerns about event management. England won 1-0 thanks to early goal by Jude Bellingham. This victory put them in first place within Group C.
