Uefa rethinks England v Serbia U21 verdict

Nikola Ninkovic (left) with Danny Rose (centre) has been banned (Getty Images)

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.