UEFA Charge Albania and Serbia After Euro 2016 Qualifying Melee

In the wake of Tuesday’s fracas between Serbia and Albania, which was ignited when a Greater Albania flag was flown by a drone over the Belgrade stadium during the Euro 2016 qualifying match, UEFA has charged both national teams.

UEFA, the governing body of football in Europe, has opened disciplinary cases against the Serbian and Albanian football associations on the matter that culminated to an on-field melee involving players and fans. Consequently, the Group I game was abandoned.

The European governing body declared disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the Football Association of Serbia (FSS) for

1. the setting off/throwing of fireworks and missiles,
2. crowd disturbance,
3. field invasion by supporters,
4. insufficient organization, and
5. use of a laser pointer.

The Football Association of Albania didn’t escape the wrath of UEFA either, and were charged with:

1. for refusing to play, and
2. display of an illicit banner.

In the aftermath of the unceremonious sequence of events, UEFA President Michel Platini expressed his sadness at the occurrence.

“Football is supposed to bring people together and our game should not be mixed with politics of any kind.

“The scenes in Belgrade last night were inexcusable.”

The case will be dealt with by the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body on October 23.