UEFA investigates alleged racist chants by Serbian fans during England match

UEFA has launched an investigation into allegations of racist and discriminatory chants by Serbian fans during England's 1-0 victory in the opening Euro 2024 match in Gelsenkirchen.

England players reportedly targeted with racist abuse while Kosovo's football federation complained to UEFA about flags, chants and banners containing “political, chauvinistic and racist messages against Kosovo “.

UEFA has confirmed that an ethics and disciplinary inspector will carry out an investigation into “alleged discriminatory behaviour” by Serbian fans, with the process expected to take several weeks to conclude.

Serbia was also charged with throwing objects inside the stadium and displaying a banner that “conveyed a provocative message unfit for a sporting event” at the Veltins Arena.

England won the match thanks to Jude Bellingham's early goal, while seven arrests were made ahead of the Group B match in Gelsenkirchen following clashes in the city in the afternoon.

Videos circulating on social media showed clashes between supporters near the city center, with tables, chairs and bottles thrown before riot police arrived. Gelsenkirchen police later confirmed that all the arrests involved Serbian citizens.

It was one of four matches scheduled during the group stage of Euro 2024, considered “high risk” by the authorities.

In November, Serbia were ordered to play their Euro 2024 qualifier against Bulgaria in a partially closed stadium after racist abuse marred their victory against Montenegro. Serbia will face Slovenia in their next match at Euro 2024 while England will face Denmark.