The Serbian national football team has once again found itself in the midst of controversy following their early exit from Euro 2024. Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, the team's assistant goalkeeper, was involved in a public altercation with a fan in Munich, Germany. The incident occurred in a bar frequented by Serbs, where Milinkovic-Savic was confronted by a fan who questioned his presence there instead of preparing for the crucial match against Denmark.
According to reports from the Serbian 'Telegraph', the fan shouted, 'What are you doing here? You need to get ready and instead you're drinking!' This led to Milinkovic-Savic standing up and hitting the fan, prompting security to intervene and separate the parties. The bar owner later provided a different account, stating that the altercation began because security did not recognize Milinkovic-Savic and denied him entry due to his attire.
This incident is the latest in a series of scandals that have plagued the Serbian national team, which has struggled both on and off the field. Despite high expectations, Serbia was eliminated in the group stage of Euro 2024 after a draw with Denmark, a loss to England, and another draw with Slovenia, finishing last in their group. Milinkovic-Savic, who was the first-choice goalkeeper during the qualifiers, lost his starting position to Predrag Rajkovic during the tournament.
The team's disappointing performance and the off-field drama have led to widespread criticism and calls for changes within the squad. There are even reports suggesting that head coach Dragan Stojkovic might be dismissed due to the team's poor showing and the ongoing controversies.
- The Serbian national team has been known for underperforming in major tournaments, and Euro 2024 was no exception. Their early exit has sparked outrage among fans and analysts, who believe the team has not lived up to its potential.
- The altercation involving Milinkovic-Savic highlights the ongoing issues within the team, including lack of discipline and focus. Such incidents not only tarnish the team's reputation but also affect its performance on the field.
- The future of head coach Dragan Stojkovic remains uncertain as speculation grows about his potential dismissal. Fans and sports pundits alike are calling for a thorough review and restructuring of the team to address these recurring issues.
