4 months ago
20
The latest disciplinary proceeding hit Albania's Mirlind Daku as he chanted anti-Serbia slogans on Wednesday.
UEFA, Europe's football governing body, has handed down a series of disciplinary actions to Balkan nations as their teams have been involved in nationalist incidents at the Euro 2024 tournament in Germany.
The latest measure was targeted at Albania's striker Mirlind Daku who was suspended for two games after leading fans in chanting anti-Serbian slogans after Albania-Croatia on Wednesday.
Albania's football federation was slapped with a €47,250 fine because of the incident.
The suspended Albanian player apologised on social media, while UEFA appointed an in-house investigator to study his “alleged inappropriate behaviour."
The suspension and fines come as Albania play a decisive group-stage game on Monday, against Spain. If Albania win, Daku will be forced to sit out in the first subsequent knockout game.
Meanwhile, Croatia are currently under investigation for “potential racist and/or discriminatory conduct” as fans reportedly joined Albanian fans in chanting “Kill the Serbs” - in Serbian- in the same Croatia-Albania game.
Serbia had previously threatened to leave Euro 2024 if UEFA didn't take action.
Football federations are responsible for their fans' behaviour at games.
Albania most fined team in Euro 2024
Despite playing only two games in the tournament, Albania have already amassed a considerable number of disciplinary proceedings for bad conduct – four of which resulting from a single match with Italy on June 15.
UEFA charged the Albanian federation €27,375 over fans lighting flares and fireworks, throwing beer cups and a fan storming the pitch.
A further €10,000 fine came after fans displayed an Albanian map with its borders extending into neighbouring countries' territories.
'No surrender': Serbia charged over banner including Kosovo
Likewise, Serbia was charged for displaying a nationalist banner during its June 16 game against England. The graphic featured the territory of Kosovo above a slogan that said “No Surrender", which UEFA has described as "a provocative message not fit for a sports event."
Kosovo unilaterally declared independence from Serbia in 2008 following a bloody conflict in the late 90s. The issue is still contentious, as only 22 out of 27 EU member states recognise its nationhood.
The Serbian Football Association received another €4,500 fine for fans throwing objects from the stands.
Kosovo journalist banned after 'eagle sign' to Serbian fans
Last Wednesday, UEFA withdrew the Euro 2024 media accreditation of Kosovar journalist Arlind Sadiku over provoking Serbian fans at the June 16 Serbia-England game.
During the live broadcast, Sadiku reportedly turned to Serbian fans and made the nationalist double-headed eagle gesture with his hands.
The double-headed eagle is featured on the Albanian flag and gained increasing significance as a symbol of ethnic pride in Albania, as well as in Kosovo and other regions.
Its display in football stadiums has constantly sparked controversy.
