UEFA announces Serbia-England disciplinary decisions

Thursday 13 Dec 2012
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The UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body has announced a number of disciplinary decisions relating to the UEFA European Under-21 Championship play-off second-leg match between Serbia and England.

Following the incidents which occurred during and after the match at the Mladost Stadium on 16 October, the Body has ordered the Serbian Under-21s to play their next UEFA competition home game behind closed doors, whilst the Football Association of Serbia (FSS) has also been fined €80,000.

In light of the announcement, Kick It Out chair Lord Herman Ouseley said: “Kick It Out shares the concerns of many in football that abuse aimed at black players isn’t taken seriously enough. This is a paltry slap on the wrist and again we haven’t seen decisive action from UEFA.”

The sanction against the FSS has been imposed for the improper conduct of its supporters during and at the end of the match, as well as for the improper conduct of the Serbia players at the end of the game.

The Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) has been lobbying for stronger and clearer sanctions as one means of addressing discrimination in football.

“We are disappointed in the totality of the sanction handed out to the Serbian FA,” said FARE executive director Piara Powar. “The original offences warranted a more severe punishment than a ban on spectators for one match.

“This is a moment in which leadership to challenge discrimination is needed from all authorities. This sanction falls short of that objective.

“We fully acknowledge the unilateral action taken by the Serbian FA in suspending players and sacking coaches in the wake of the match, but they need to demonstrate a wider commitment to educate their supporters and work towards tolerance in the future.”

The UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body has also decided to:

• Suspend Serbia fitness coach Andreja Milunović from all football-related activities for two years, the second of which is suspended for a probationary period of three years. FIFA will be requested to extend this decision so as to give it a worldwide effect

• Suspend Serbia assistant coach Predrag Katić from all football-related activities for two years, the final six months of which are suspended for a probationary period of three years. FIFA will be requested to extend this decision so as to give it a worldwide effect

• Suspend Serbia player Goran Caušić for four UEFA national team competition matches

• Suspend Serbia player Ognjen Mudrinski for three UEFA national team competition matches

• Suspend Serbia player Filip Malbašić for three UEFA national team competition matches

• Suspend Serbia player Nikola Ninković for two UEFA national team competition matches

The suspensions will apply to the next UEFA national team competition matches for which the players would be eligible.

The disciplinary proceedings opened against Serbia player Aleksandar Pantić are dismissed.

At the same hearing, the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body decided to dismiss the disciplinary proceedings opened against The Football Association. The FA has received a warning for improper conduct by its team (more than five cautions).

The UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body has also decided to:

• Suspend England player Steven Caulker for two UEFA national team competition matches. This suspension applies to the following games: England v Italy on 5 June 2013 and England v Norway on 8 June 2013

• Suspend England player Thomas Ince for one UEFA national team competition match. This suspension applies to the following game: England v Italy on 5 June 2013

An appeal may be lodged against these decisions within three days of the dispatch of the reasoned decision.

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