It's been a bumpy ride since Serbian striker Luka Jovic moved to Real Madrid in the summer of 2019. The 22-year-old managed just two goals in his first season at the Spanish giants after netting 17 in the German Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt in the 2018-19 campaign. Unfortunately, the latest scandal off the pitch threatens to make a bad situation worse.

According to Serbian state news agency Tanjug, Jovic is facing a six-month prison sentence in his home country for allegedly flouting mandatory coronavirus self-isolation measures. It is revealed that the striker disobeyed the order to self-quarantine for 14 days following the outbreak of the COVID-19 in March after traveling back to Serbia. He was seen wandering on the streets of Belgrade and was caught in his girlfriend’s birthday party.

The Serbian prosecutor's office was quoted by Tanjug saying Jovic did not comply with the required health protocols upon his arrival in the country and refused to pay 30,000 euros ($35,000) for humanitarian purposes in exchange for dropped charges. The punishment could be a six-month prison sentence.

Jovic behavior was slammed by Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic, who fumed at local reporters: "We have the negative example of our football stars who earn millions and have ignored the obligation to self-isolate so they can return home."

Coming under huge pressure, Jovic has issued a statement to defend himself, insisting he didn't know he broke the rules. "On arrival back in Serbia they tested me and I was negative. It's a shame others were not professional in their work and did not give me concrete instructions on how I should behave during isolation," he said.

"I ask forgiveness from everyone if in some way I have put anyone in danger. I hope together we can all get over this. Serbia has my complete support, we will beat this together," he added.

Multiple media outlets in Spain said Real Madrid did not respond to a request for comment.