Court summons Serb president over World Cup drink

Tadic and a number of other high-ranking officials - have been served to appear before the magistrate on December 1.

A Serb court on Tuesday summoned President Boris Tadic to appear on charges of violating anti-hooligan laws by opening a bottle of champagne to celebrate Serbia's World Cup qualification win.

Tadic and a number of other high-ranking officials - have been served to appear before the magistrate on December 1 - Tanjug news agency quoted Zoran Pasalic, chief magistrate of Belgrade's court, as saying.

The president's press office confirmed Tadic would appear before the magistrate.

On October 16, police filed charges against Tadic, Serbia's Football Association chief Tomislav Karadzic, Sports Minister Snezana Markovic-Samardzic and other officials for - violating the law preventing violence and indecent behaviour at sports matches. -

Tadic and others uncorked the champagne in a VIP lounge at Red the Star Belgrade stadium after Serbia's October 10 victory over Romania which qualified them for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.

If found guilty, Tadic and the officials could be fined between 300 to 500 euros (448 to 748 dollars) or sentenced to up to 60 days in jail.

The so-called anti-hooligan law, aimed at suppressing violence at sports events, prohibits the sale or consumption of alcohol in stadiums and arenas.

Tadic has already said he would pay a fine if a magistrate found him guilty.

In the past months, Serbia has seen a surge in extremist violence, notably by ultranationalist extremist groups and football hooligans.

The spate of attacks coincided with plans to hold a gay pride parade on September 20, the first for nearly a decade since the last one in 2001 broke up amid violent clashes with right-wing extremists.

Organisers cancelled the event after authorities said it should be moved from the city centre for security reasons following a series of threats by the extremists.

Just days before the scheduled parade, a French fan of a visiting team died after being severely beaten by a group of football hooligans on September 17.