European football governing body UEFA has been forced to step in and take disciplinary measures against Albania and Croatia following incidents of nationalism from fans and players at the Euro 2024 tournament in Germany, specifically after their Group B match.
The most recent action saw Albanian striker Mirlind Daku suspended for two games. This penalty was handed down after Daku was filmed leading fans in offensive chants against North Macedonia following the Albania-Croatia match on Wednesday. The Football Association of Albania (FSHF) also received a hefty fine of €47,250 as a result of Daku’s actions and associated fan behaviour.
Daku has since issued a public apology on social media for his behavior. However, UEFA had already launched an investigation into his “alleged inappropriate behaviour” before the apology was made public. The timing of the suspension is particularly damaging for Albania as Daku will now miss their crucial final group game against Spain. Should Albania progress to the knockout stages, Daku would also be sidelined for the first of those games.
Croatia is also facing scrutiny from UEFA. An investigation has been launched into what UEFA described as “[potential racist and/or discriminatory conduct]” by Croatian fans during the same match against Albania. Reports indicate that Croatian fans joined Albanian supporters in chanting “Kill the Serbs” – in Croatian – during the game. The languages spoken in Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia, and Montenegro are mutually intelligible, adding to the severity of the alleged chants.
These incidents led to Serbia threatening to withdraw from Euro 2024 if UEFA did not take decisive action against Albania and Croatia. Football federations are held responsible for the conduct of their fans at all matches.
Croatian fans during the game against Albania on Wednesday 19 June 2024
Croatian football fans passionately support their team during the Albania vs Croatia Euro 2024 match on June 19, 2024.
Albania: Euro 2024’s Most Disciplined Nation So Far?
Despite only participating in two Euro 2024 games, Albania has already accumulated a significant number of disciplinary charges from UEFA. Four of these charges stemmed from their opening match against Italy on June 15th.
The FSHF was fined €27,375 for several incidents during the Italy game, including fans setting off flares and fireworks, throwing beer cups, and a pitch invasion by a supporter. An additional €10,000 fine was imposed after Albanian fans displayed a nationalist map that depicted an expanded Albania incorporating territories of neighbouring countries.
Albania fans cheer prior to the Group B match between Italy and Albania at the Euro 2024 soccer tournament in Dortmund, Germany, Saturday, June 15, 2024
Albanian supporters enthusiastically rally before the Euro 2024 Group B match between Italy and Albania in Dortmund, Germany on June 15, 2024.
Serbia Also Faces UEFA Charges Over Nationalist Banner
Serbia is also facing UEFA disciplinary action following their match against England on June 16th. The Serbian Football Association (FSS) was charged after fans displayed a nationalist banner featuring the territory of Kosovo along with the slogan “No Surrender.” UEFA deemed this banner to be [“a provocative message not fit for a sports event”].
The issue of Kosovo remains highly sensitive. Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia in 2008 after a conflict in the late 1990s, but Serbia does not recognise Kosovo’s sovereignty, and the issue divides the international community. The FSS also received a further fine of €4,500 due to Serbian fans throwing objects during the England game.
Serbia fans cheer during a Group C match between Serbia and England at the Euro 2024 tournament in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, Sunday, June 16, 2024
Serbian fans show their support during the Euro 2024 Group C match between Serbia and England in Gelsenkirchen, Germany on June 16, 2024.
Kosovo Journalist Loses Accreditation for Provocative Gesture
Adding to the tensions, UEFA revoked the Euro 2024 media accreditation of Kosovar journalist Arlind Sadiku. This decision was made after Sadiku allegedly made a provocative double-headed eagle gesture towards Serbian fans during the Serbia-England match on June 16th.
The double-headed eagle is a prominent symbol on the Albanian flag and is widely considered a symbol of Albanian ethnic pride, particularly in Albania, Kosovo, and other Albanian-inhabited regions. The display of this symbol in football stadiums has previously caused controversy and drawn scrutiny from football authorities.
UEFA’s swift actions against Albania, Croatia, and Serbia demonstrate their commitment to tackling nationalist and discriminatory behaviour at Euro 2024. The investigations and penalties serve as a stark reminder that UEFA will not tolerate the politicization of football and will act to maintain a respectful and inclusive environment at the tournament.
