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

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.