UEFA to seek tougher sanctions on Serbia by appealing racial abuse case verdicts from U21 game

NYON, Switzerland – UEFA is appealing its own disciplinary panel's sanctions against Serbia for racial abuse in response to widespread outrage that the punishment was too lenient.

During an under-21s match in October, Serbian fans directed monkey chants at black England players throughout a testy match in Krusevac, which ended in a brawl involving players and coaches from both teams.

The British government led the condemnation of the $105,000 fine imposed on the Football Association of Serbia. Several Serbian coaches and players were also suspended, and the team was ordered to play one under-21s match in an empty stadium.

Despite claiming they were provoked, two England players also received bans that will take effect at the under-21 European Championship in June.

UEFA announced Wednesday it would appeal all the sanctions imposed on Serbia and England by its independent control and disciplinary body.