The Albanian Football Federation announced that UEFA imposed a two-game ban on Mirlind Daku after his derogatory chants at EURO. Daku took a megaphone and joined the fans to chant slogans against Serbia and North Macedonia. The incident occurred following Albania’s 2-2 draw against Croatia on Wednesday. Additionally, the football federation reported that UEFA imposed fines amounting to 47,250 euros ($50,500) for the unanticipated occurrence.
Albania is now gearing up to lock horns against Spain in a decisive group-stage game on Monday, June 24. Daku might sit out in the Round of 16 if Albania advances to the knockout stage.
Notably, Daku issued an apology in a social media post after UEFA launched an investigation for his “alleged inappropriate behavior.” Additionally, the 26-year-old’s actions prompted the North Macedonia Football Federation to demand an apology.
“Apologising is manly, and I feel a moral and professional obligation to do so, for all those who have been hurt. Like any footballer, in those moments the emotions are on another level, which can only be understood on the field. It is difficult to describe the feeling of playing for this national team, for these wonderful fans who give us unlimited love.
“Sorry if I offended anyone after the match with Croatia, the effect of the game does its thing. I continue to work together with the whole group for our dreams,” Daku said in a statement on social media.
UEFA filed charges against Albanian and Croatian member federations for alleged “racist and/or discriminatory conduct” by fans during the EURO match. Notably, the fans reportedly chanted “Kill the Serbs” in Serbian. Meanwhile, the Albanian Football Federation (FSHF) urged fans to be “accountable and avoid incidents and riots.”
“The FSHF invites fans and football lovers to support to the end the Albanian national team in this magical and historic path in Euro 2024 by showing citizenry and accountability through correct behaviour and by respecting the rules and the opponents,” the federation said in a statement.
