UEFA have launched an investigation after reports of monkey chants being made towards England players.‌

European football’s governing body had match observers stationed in the stadium during England’s 1-0 win on Sunday night and one Serbian fan was allegedly spotted and heard making the chants. The fan was not arrested or removed on the night despite stewards and police being present, but UEFA are now looking into it.

The English FA was not asked by any of the players to make a complaint and they have not contacted UEFA about the matter. Serbian FA chiefs are likely to face a fine if the allegation is proven.‌

UEFA have spotters at every stadium and they identify issues even when players do not hear abuse. There were also allegations that Serbia fans threw objects while also displaying inflammatory flags about Kosovo, despite a clear warning that action would be taken.

England’s game with Serbia had been classed as a “high risk” fixture by UEFA and local authorities.

‌UEFA said in a statement: “Disciplinary proceedings have been instigated in accordance with Article 55 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (DR) following the UEFA European Championship group stage match between Serbia and England (0-1) played on 16 June 2024 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.‌

Charges against Football Association of Serbia (FSS):

• Throwing of objects, Art. 16(2)(b) DR

• Transmitting a provocative message unfit for a sports event, Art. 16(2)(e) DR

• The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) will decide on the matter in due course.

• ‌

• Furthermore, an UEFA Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will conduct a disciplinary investigation regarding alleged discriminatory behaviour."

There were major issues in Gelsenkirchen because fans complained of long queues outside the stadium and poor stewarding. Train delays also raised major complaints but England could face a return to Gelsenkirchen if they win the Group.

England face Denmark next on Thursday in Frankfurt before concluding their Group C campaign against Slovenia on June 25 in Cologne. Denmark were held to a 1-1 draw by Slovenia in Sunday’s earlier match as Christian Eriksen’s strike was cancelled out by Erik Janza’s deflected strike.

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