Posted at 6:22 a.m., Friday, July 13, 2007
Soccer: Serbia fined for racism in under-21 match
Associated Press
NYON, Switzerland — UEFA fined the Serbian soccer federation $33,000 today for racist language by players and fans against England in an under-21 European Championship match last month.UEFA said it fined the federation because Serbian fans started racially taunting England's black players after England scored the second goal in its 2-0 win on June 17 in Nijmegen, Netherlands. It also took into account the improper conduct of Serbia's players after the goal. The federation has three days to appeal.
The English FA also has been fined $4,100 for the improper conduct of its players after the match. That decision is final.
England under-21 defender Nedum Onuoha was reportedly targeted by fans during the first half of the group match.
Teammate Justin Hoyte was allegedly confronted by Serbia players in the tunnel after the game, which secured England's qualification to the semifinals. The FA said at least one Serbia player used racist insults in the tunnel after the game. UEFA did not reveal the name of the player who delivered the racial abuse.
England's Football Association sent a formal complaint to UEFA over the abuse, which the FA said was noted by the referee during the match.
