Albania’s Mirlind Daku banned for two matches after nationalist chants

Albanian striker Mirlind Daku has been banned for two matches by UEFA after leading nationalist chants with his fans following his country’s match against Croatia.

Albania’s late equaliser in the 2-2 draw led to wild celebrations after the game, during which the 26-year-old is said to have shouted “Fuck Macedonia” and “Fuck Serbs” into a megaphone.

Daku, who plays for Russian club Rubin Kazan, previously played for Kosovo before moving to Albania in 2023.

UEFA imposed the penalty on Daku for “failing to comply with the general principles of conduct, violating the basic rules of good behaviour, abusing sporting events for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature and bringing the reputation of football into disrepute”.

UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) also fined the Albanian Football Federation (FSHF) a total of €47,500 (£40,138) for sending provocative messages unsuitable for a sporting event, crowd-rushing and setting off fireworks.

In addition, the Croatian Football Association (HNS) was fined €28,000 (£23,660) for throwing objects and setting off fireworks.

It was also claimed that fans of Albania and Croatia chanted “Kill, kill, kill the Serb” during Wednesday’s match in Hamburg.

An investigation by the European Football Association’s Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector “regarding possible racist and/or discriminatory behaviour” by fans is still ongoing.

UEFA’s investigation followed a threat from the Football Association of Serbia (FSS) that it would consider withdrawing from the 2024 European Championship if the governing body failed to punish its Albanian and Croatian counterparts.

Albania is in third place in Group B of the 2024 European Championship and will face Spain in the final group match in Düsseldorf on Monday.

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