By Andrew Warshaw
October 26 – Serbian footballing authorities have taken pre-emptive action by suspending two of their own players as a result of the ugly scenes that followed the recent under-21 defeat by England.
A month ahead of a UEFA meeting to decide what sanctions to impose as a result of racism allegations against the Serbians and the mass brawl that followed the game, the Serbs have banned Nikola Ninković (pictured top, third right) and Ognjen Mudrinski from all national teams, while coaching staff members Srđan Maksimović (pictured below, centre) and Andreja Milutinović have also been suspended for two years.
But significantly, the move did not appear to be prompted by any suggestion of racism despite the English Football Association (FA) registering a formal protest with UEFA about persistent chanting during the qualifier in Kruševac that England won 1-0.
England defender Danny Rose was sent off after the final whistle for kicking the ball away in disgust at what he perceived was racist abuse from the crowd.
UEFA has charged both associations over the behaviour of their players at the final whistle but Serbia, which has been in trouble several times before with UEFA, were clearly the main culprits according to video footage.
A Football Association of Serbia (FSS) statement read: “Having reviewed the television footage of the incidents, the FSS Disciplinary Committee decided to ban Ninković and Mudrinski from playing for Serbia at any level for a period of one year.
“Also, staff members Srđan Maksimović and Andreja Milutinović have been banned from their coaching duties at any level for Serbia for two years.
“All four have violated the FSS ethics and fair-play code.”
Savo Milošević, former FIFA World Cup striker who is Serbia’s director of national teams, condemned the behaviour of the players and officials involved.
“This or similar behaviour will not be tolerated,” he insisted.
“As such it is not and will never be acceptable to all those in the Serbian FA.”
Contact the writer of this story at zib.l1734834284labto1734834284ofdlr1734834284owedi1734834284sni@w1734834284ahsra1734834284w.wer1734834284dna1734834284