Adem Ljajic banished from Serbia set-up after national anthem snub

Adem Ljajic in action against Spain (GETTY IMAGES)

Serbia coach Sinisa Mihajlovic has banished Adem Ljajic from the international set-up after the forward failed to sing the national anthem before Saturday's defeat to Spain.

A statement from the Serbian Football Federation announced that in failing to sing the anthem, Ljajic had breached the team's code of conduct.

Ljajic claimed he did not join in due to "personal reasons" but that failed to satisfy Mihajlovic.

The statement read: "Coach Mihajlovic yesterday held a meeting with Ljajic. After hearing Ljajic did not sing the anthem due to personal reasons and that that stance would not change, Sinisa Mihajlovic told the player to return home.

"The door has not been closed forever on the national team but he needs to change his attitude and officially notify Mihajlovic that he has done so.

"Then when his form merits it, he can return."

The 2-0 loss to the Spanish was the first of three matches for Serbia as they look to build ahead of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers. They meet France on Thursday and Sweden on June 5.

Fiorentina star Ljajic found himself at the centre of another storm earlier this month when he was attacked by then Viola boss Delio Rossi.

Ljajic was hauled off by Rossi in the 2-2 draw with Novara, a decision he greeted with a sarcastic gesture. Rossi then went for the 20-year-old, throwing punches as he sat on the bench.

Rossi was sacked for his actions.

PA