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Xtra Time Web Desk: UEFA fined the Albanian and Serbian football federations 10,000 euros ($10,700) each on Wednesday for fans displaying nationalist banners during European Championship games. These actions violated UEFA’s rules against transmitting provocative messages not fit for a sports event, holding each federation responsible for the conduct of their fans in the stadiums.

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During Albania’s 2-1 loss to Italy in Dortmund, Albanian fans displayed a banner depicting a map of Albania with expanded borders into neighboring countries. Similarly, Serbian fans unfurled a banner featuring the independent territory of Kosovo alongside the slogan “No Surrender” during their 1-0 defeat to England in Gelsenkirchen. This incident is reminiscent of a case prosecuted by FIFA at the 2022 World Cup, where Serbian players were photographed with a similar banner in their locker room before a game against Brazil.

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UEFA has also initiated a separate investigation into alleged discrimination by Serbian fans following a formal complaint from the Kosovo football federation. In addition to the initial fines, the Albanian federation faces an extra penalty of 27,375 euros ($29,400) for fans lighting flares and fireworks, throwing beer cups, and a fan who invaded the pitch. Serbia’s federation has been fined an additional 4,500 euros ($4,800) for fans throwing beer cups.

Fan behavior has been a significant concern during the first week of Euro 2024, with multiple instances of pitch invasions. UEFA announced these sanctions shortly after Albania's 2-2 draw with Croatia in their second Group B game.