UEFA fine Serbia and England over U21 trouble

BERNE, Switzerland, July 13 (Reuters)- UEFA have fined the Serbian football association 24,000 euros following misconduct by fans and players during a European Under-21 Championship match against England.

European soccer's governing body also fined the English FA 3,000 euros today for the ''improper conduct'' of their players after the group stage match in the Netherlands, which England won 2-0.

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 saying there had been further racist abuse from Serbian players.

Tempers had already been frayed on the pitch with the Serbians protesting against England's controversial second goal.

The Serbians felt that English goalscorer Matt Derbyshire should have kicked the ball out of play after one of their own players went to the ground injured.

The Serbian FA can appeal against the fine within three days of receiving the written grounds for the punishment from UEFA.

The decision against England is final as UEFA's disciplinary regulations rule out appeals against fines of less than 5,000 euros.

REUTERS SAM VC1735