UEFA appeals body increases Serbia racism fine

European soccer's governing body UEFA has more than doubled the fine it originally imposed on the Serbian football association following racist chanting at a recent U-21 Championship match.

UEFA's appeals body said yesterday it was increasing the fine from 40,000 Swiss Francs ($33,170) to 100,000 Swiss Francs ($82,920).

Half of the fine will be suspended, pending any further incidents in the next two years.

The Serbian FA was handed the original punishment by UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body, which noted racist chanting by Serbian supporters and improper conduct by the team's players during their 2-0 defeat by England on June 17.

UEFA then took the unusual step of appealing against its own disciplinary body, arguing that the fine was insufficient.

Serbian fans were heard making monkey chants at England's black players leading the referee to hold up the match while an announcement was made over the stadium's public address system.

Trouble then broke out between the two sets of players as they left the pitch, with the English FA later claiming there had been further racist abuse from Serbian players.

The English FA were themselves fined $4,146 over the misconduct of their players.