Criminal charges have been filed against four men accused of attacking a Ghana-born footballer last week, a judge in Serbia's southwestern town of Cacak said Tuesday.

“The men were charged with instigating national, religious and racial hatred,” Branislav Stanic, a investigative judge in charge of the case told Balkan Insight.

Stanic said he ordered a 30 day pre-trial denention with a possibility of an extension against the four. If convicted the four could face up to eight years in jail.

Under Serbian law, the police collects evidence, while investigative judges conduct investigations.

Soloman Opaka, 20, was attacked in Cacak, 120 kilometres southwest of Belgrade, after a 4-1 game between his Borac side and Belgrade’s Bezanija, both members of Serbia’s top Meridian Super League.

"They attacked him (Opaka) ... screaming 'Kill the nigger,' and 'What are you doing here nigger’," Stanic said.

Opaka was transferred to a local hospital with multiple bruises and concussion.

The management at Borac soccer club condemned the incident. source: GFA