UEFA bans Serbian fans from attending next Euro 2020 Qualifier at home

Serbian football team have been ordered to play their Euro 2020 qualifier against Luxembourg on November 14, 2019 behind closed doors. This was done because of racist behaviour by the team’s supporters. The Football Association of Serbia was charged with a series of offences surrounding their 2-4 defeat against Portugal in Belgrade. UEFA's control, ethics and disciplinary body has come out with a decision to hand down a two-match ban on the team's spectators.

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European soccer's governing body UEFA said in a statement that Serbia's football association was also charged with pitch invasion by the fans, setting off fireworks, illicit chants and a late kickoff. Serbia were also fined 33,250 euros and were told that they must display a banner carrying the words "#EqualGame" with the UEFA logo on it for their match against Ukraine on November 17, 2019.

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Frequent incidents of racism in football

Recently, Euro 2020 qualifier matches have been marred by racist slogans and abuse. A similar incident took place in the match between Bulgaria and England held at Sofia, Bulgaria on October 15, 2019. The match was halted a couple of times due to racist slogans raised towards English players, particularly Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling. England scored 6 past Bulgaria without conceding any.

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Serbia are third in Group B with 10 points -- nine points behind Ukraine, who have already qualified, and a point behind second-placed Portugal.

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