Uefa rethinks England v Serbia U21 verdict

Uefa has responded to widespread outrage against the sanctions imposed on Serbia for the racist abuse directed at England players during an Under-21 match in October by appealing against its own disciplinary panel's verdict.

Serbian fans directed chants at black England players throughout an ill-tempered match in Krusevac that ended in an on-pitch brawl between players and coaches.

The British Government led the condemnation of the perceived leniency of the €80,000 (£65,600) fine imposed on the Football Association of Serbia. Several Serbian coaches and players were also suspended and the team was ordered to play one Under-21 match in an empty stadium.

Uefa's president, Michel Platini, had indicated he was likely to seek tougher sanctions against Serbia.