This time, it seems the cup has truly overflowed. Serbia has once again become a pressing concern for UEFA and FIFA, with the behavior of its supporters drawing increasing scrutiny. What is often described as barbaric and senseless conduct has now reached new levels.
During the recent match at Belgrade’s “Rajko Mitić” stadium—better known as the “Marakana”—the Serbian national team suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat against England. Yet, the on-field humiliation was not the main embarrassment of the night. Reports from local sources suggest that criminal elements tied to the group of Milan Radoičić—considered by some as a criminal and even terrorist organization, and linked to the Banjska attack of September 2023—were present in the stands. According to these accounts, members of this group allegedly assaulted families in the central tribune, forcing them to leave with their children out of fear.
Such behavior was coupled with political chants of “Kosovo is Serbia,” adding to a long list of incidents that have stained Serbia’s footballing reputation.
For this reason, FIFA and UEFA are expected to take action against the Serbian Football Association (FSS). The England match was already played under partial restrictions, with 15% of the stadium closed as punishment for racist chanting during a previous game against Andorra. The FSS itself had issued an appeal before the England fixture, urging fans to behave responsibly and reminding them that the federation had been fined more than €700,000 over the past five years due to repeated violations by Serbian supporters. Unfortunately, the call was largely ignored, as new incidents overshadowed the sporting occasion.
A decision from UEFA and FIFA is expected on Friday. According to reports from within the Serbian federation, one possible sanction could be a game played behind closed doors against Albania, in addition to a significant financial penalty.
The upcoming Serbia–Albania match, scheduled for October 11 at the same Belgrade venue, is already viewed as a decisive clash. Both sides are competing for second