Serbia is considering withdrawing from Euro 2024 following offensive chants heard during Croatia’s 2-2 draw with Albania on Wednesday.
During the Group B match at the Volksparkstadion, fans were heard chanting “kill the Serbs,” referencing the historical animosity between the nations dating back to the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s and World War II atrocities.
Jovan Surbatovic, the general secretary of the Football Association of Serbia, expressed outrage in an interview with state broadcaster RTS.
“What happened is scandalous, and we will ask UEFA for sanctions, even if it means not continuing the competition,” Surbatovic stated.
The incident follows another controversy involving a Kosovan journalist who had their accreditation revoked after making an Albanian eagle gesture towards Serbian fans during their opening match against England.
UEFA has, however, launched an investigation into allegations of racial abuse by Serbian fans towards England’s black players and has fined Serbia £12,250 for other infractions, including throwing objects and displaying a provocative banner regarding Kosovo.
Albania has also faced disciplinary actions, receiving a fine for displaying a map with extended borders during their first match against Italy, which UEFA deemed inappropriate for a sports event.
Suratovic voiced confidence in UEFA’s response to the incidents at the Croatia vs. Albania match. “We are sure that they [the fans] will be punished, because they have already responded to our appeal to remove the so-called journalist from Albania from the championship,” he said.
Surbatovic also emphasized that Serbia will demand sanctions against the federations of both Croatia and Albania, warning that failure to act might prompt Serbia to reconsider its participation in the tournament.
Serbia’s next match is against Slovenia on Thursday, followed by their final group stage game against Denmark on June 25.
