The Albanian Football Association reaction to the Serbia v Albania Match
AFA, expresses to the public opinion, the media and supporters, it’s stand regarding the Serbia – Albania match, abandoned before the end of the first half.
Making our way to the stadium the Albania Side bus was hit with stones thrown by Serbian fans.
Before the team warm-up, a part of the Albanian delegation led by the AFA President Mr. Armando Duka was hit with a piece of concrete which was received as evidence by the UEFA delegate present.
Each time the team or a member of the team appeared on the pitch, the atmosphere became extremely hostile and aggressive on the part of Serbia supporters.
At the end of warm-up Albanian players were hit by a shower of coins, lighters and other objects thrown at them as they were making their way to the tunnel that takes players inside.
For the entire duration of warm-ups before the game, the offensive chants of 30,000 strong repeated “Kill the Albanians” and “Death to Albanians”. Tens of Serbian supporters went over the lateral fence at the left side and were not apprehended by police for the entire duration of the minutes played.
Before the national anthems were played the official band played a nationalistic march, that was not part of the program, which created extreme chauvinistic emotions in the stands.
The Albanian Anthem was terribly booed and whistled over, so much so that it was impossible to hear it in the stands or on television.
Stones, hard objects, lighters and pyrotechnics were thrown in the pitch, negatively influencing the game atmosphere, as it was made evident by video footage. Three Albanian players that got up to warm-up during the game were hit by hard objects, causing UEFA official to move them further away from the stands.
Civilians entered the pitch causing a melee, punching Albania players and hitting them with stools. Furthermore, our players were also hit by stewards and security personnel serving at the game.
Making their way to the dressing rooms, in the tunnel, Albania players were repeatedly hit by Serbia supporters, security personnel and the police.
Also, before the Albanian players were allowed to leave the stadium, with orders from Belgrade Prosecutor General (according to the Police) the entire staff and players of the Albania National Side were physically searched. Police went through each member’s and player’s personal belongings.
The AFA, is of the opinion that the above mentioned actions negatively impacted the normal conduct of the match, which was ultimately abandoned.
http://www.fshf.org/index.php/en/news2/ ... ania-match