Image:Adem Ljajic: Suspended by Serbia after refusing to sing anthem
Serbia midfielder Adem Ljajic has been suspended from the squad for failing to sing the national anthem ahead of Saturday's friendly.
Midfielder 'sent home' after refusing to sing Serbian anthem
Serbia international midfielder Adem Ljajic has been suspended from the squad for failing to sing the national anthem ahead of Saturday's friendly against Spain, the country's football association has announced.
The association revealed in a statement on Monday that Serbia's new coach, Sinisa Mihajlovic, "sent Ljajic home" because he did not adhere to rules that stipulate players must sing the anthem before games.
The statement continued that 20-year-old Fiorentina forward Ljajic, who is a Muslim, did not partake in the anthem due to "personal reasons".
Serbia suffered a 2-0 defeat to reigning world and European champions Spain in the friendly in St Gallen, Switzerland.
Ljajic was involved in another incident in a Serie A game earlier this month when he was physically attacked by his former Fiorentina coach Delio Rossi as he returned the bench after sarcastically applauding in reaction to being substituted.
