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

 

Pa
Monday 28 May 2012 15:58 BST
Comments
Adem Ljajic in action against Spain
Adem Ljajic in action against Spain (GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

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

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in