UEFA has reportedly banned Albania forward Mirlind Daku for two matches following what he did after his country’s match against Croatia.
Last week, Albania and Croatia played out a brilliant 2-2 as both countries battled to advance to the next stage of Euro 2024.
Daku was subbed on in the 85th minute as he replaced Rey Manaj.
Deep into stoppage time, Klaus Gjasula rescued what could prove to be a vital point for the Albanians.
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However, Daku will not be able to help his team for the next two matches after UEFA issued a ban for leading fans in nationalist chants.
As reported by the Daily Mail, Daku led chants with fans that translated as: 'F*** Macedonia!' and 'F*** Serbs!'.
Writing on social media afterwards, Daku said: “First, I want to be grateful to all those who have supported us in the good and difficult moments at Euro 2024.
“Like any footballer, in those moments the emotions are on another level, where only inside the field can be understood, it is difficult to describe the feeling of playing for this national team, for these wonderful fans who give us unlimited love, as it is and our motto ‘Love Albania without borders’.”
He continued: “Feeling if I offended someone after the match with Croatia, the affect of the game takes its toll, I continue to work together with the whole group about our dreams.
“Forgiveness is many, and I feel a moral and professional obligation to do so, for all those who have been hurt.”
On Sunday afternoon, it was claimed that UEFA has now banned Daku for the failure ‘to comply with the general principles of conduct, for violating the basic rules of decent conduct, for using sports events for manifestations of a non-sporting nature and for bringing the sport of football into disrepute’.
It has been reported that the Albanian FA were fined £19,000 for pitch invasions and fireworks. Meanwhile, the Croatian FA were fined £23,600 for the throwing and lighting of fireworks.
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Marcus Chan