UEFA opts not to kick Serbia out of Euros

UEFA has declined to expel Serbia from the 2015 European Under-21 Championship over racist abuse directed by fans at England players, according to a top Serbian football official.

Serbia Football Association general secretary Zoran Lakovic said UEFA’s appeals panel has ordered the team to play two qualifiers in an empty stadium. A one-match stadium closure was imposed in December.

Lakovic said the UEFA appeal body upheld Serbia’s fine of 80,000 euro, which had been widely expected to be increased.

Serbia fans aimed monkey chants at black England players during a volatile playoff in Krusevac last October. Coaches and players clashed on the pitch after England won 1-0, advancing to the 2013 European U-21 tournament in Israel in June.

UEFA has reduced England Under-21 defender Steven Caulker’s two-match ban to a warning and one day of community football service. Midfielder Tom Ince will serve his original one-match ban.

UEFA ordered a complete review of widespread sanctions arising from the playoff, including suspensions for four Serbia players and two Serbia coaches.