Germany charged over banner

WARSAW, Poland (AP)

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UEFA charged the German football association on Tuesday after anti-discrimination monitors reported seeing a neo-Nazi banner at a European Championship match against Denmark.

UEFA said the charge of ''improper conduct'' of its fans related to the display of ''inappropriate banners and symbols.''

The case was opened based on reports by monitors from the Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) fans' network, which UEFA appointed to help combat racism and offensive flags, chants and behavior in Euro 2012 stadiums.

''FARE can confirm that one of our observers reported a neo-Nazi banner in the German section at the match vs. Denmark in Lviv on Sunday,'' the group said in a statement.

Fans in the Arena Lviv in Ukraine were also responsible for ''inappropriate chanting'' and setting off fireworks, UEFA said in a statement.

UEFA rules make national associations responsible for their fans' actions inside stadiums.

German fans have now provoked UEFA charges after all three of the team's matches at Euro 2012.

Portugal players were pelted with crumpled paper balls during the teams' first match in Lviv. UEFA fined the German association 10,000 euros ($12,550).

After Germany played the Netherlands in Kharkiv, Ukraine, UEFA opened a case for fans setting off fireworks and throwing more paper balls. UEFA has not yet published a ruling.

UEFA said its disciplinary panel will deal with the latest case on Saturday.

Germany beat Denmark 2-1 to advance to a quarterfinal match against Greece on Friday, in Gdansk, Poland.