Champagne trouble for Serbia head

President Tadic says he is willing to pay a fine

Serbian President Boris Tadic is facing charges for drinking champagne at a football stadium to mark Serbia's qualification for the 2010 World Cup.

Police asked a magistrate in Belgrade to start misdemeanour proceedings against Mr Tadic and several other top Serbian officials.

The consumption or possession of alcohol is forbidden at Serbia's sports venues in order to prevent violence.

President Tadic has said he is willing to pay a fine if necessary.

'Headache'

The incident happened last Saturday at Belgrade's Red Star stadium - immediately after Serbia's football team trounced Romania 5-0 and clinched its place in the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.

Serbia's victory triggered huge celebrations around the country

Mr Tadic reached for a glass of bubbly to kick off the party in a VIP lounge to celebrate the victory.

But police this week decided to charge Mr Tadic and those who shared the toast, including Serbia's sports minister and the head of the country's football association.

They are accused of "violating the law preventing violence and indecent behaviour at sports matches", a police statement said.

Now Mr Tadic and other officials could each pay a fine of more than $750.

So, while Serbian football fans shook off their hangovers with ease, the president may face a rather worse headache, the BBC's Mark Lowen in Belgrade says.

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