UEFA appeals Serbia-England sanctions

UEFA will appeal all sanctions imposed following the 2013 under-21 European Championship play-off between Serbia and England in October.

The governing body’s disciplinary inspector has exercised the right to lodge an appeal against the sanctions and open a new investigation into the controversial second leg at the Mladost Stadium in Krusevac, won by England 1-0.

The match was marred by heated confrontations between players and officials after the final whistle, as well as racist behaviour from the home supporters toward England players

As a result, the Serbian team were ordered to play their next game behind closed doors and the Football Association of Serbia was fined 80,000 euros.

Two Serbian coaches and players were also handed bans for altercations on the pitch.

The punishments were imposed by UEFA’s independent control and disciplinary panel on December 13 and were widely criticised for being too lenient.

“UEFA, via the UEFA disciplinary inspector appointed to the case, has decided to appeal all the sanctions,” read a UEFA statement.