UEFA disciplinary action over Serbia-Albania chaos

LONDON – UEFA opened disciplinary cases on Wednesday against the Serbian and Albanian football associations over the fighting between players and fans that led to their European Championship qualifier in Belgrade being abandoned.

The violence broke out after a drone dangling an Albanian banner circled over the field during the first half of Tuesday night’s game. A Serbian player grabbed the banner as Albanian players tried to protect it, and the game was called off before halftime amid the chaos.

The case was quickly assessed by UEFA’s disciplinary unit after receiving reports from the delegate, match officials and security.

The Serbian hosts have been charged over “insufficient organization,” fireworks being set off, missiles being launched, a crowd disturbance, a field invasion by supporters and the use of a laser pointer, UEFA said.

The Football Association of Albania has been charged for “refusing to play” and over the display of “an illicit banner,” the UEFA statement said.

The case will be dealt with by UEFA on Oct. 23.