"Kosovo is Serbia" Romania provoked, Kosovo withdraws, disciplinary action discussed
"Kosovo is Serbia" Romania provoked, Kosovo withdraws, disciplinary action discussed
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Disciplinary proceedings have begun against Romania, which chanted the politically discriminatory slogan “Kosovo is Serbia” during a Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Nations League (UNL) match, and Kosovo, which withdrew its team during the match.
Reuters reported on the 17th (Korean time), "UEFA has initiated disciplinary procedures against the Romanian and Kosovo football associations."
The 2024-2025 UNL League C Group 2 match between Romania and Kosovo held at the National Stadium in Bucharest, Romania the previous day, was suddenly halted due to a mass ejection of Kosovo players just before the end of the match when the two teams were tied 0-0.
The Kosovo Football Association said in a statement that "aggressive and provocative behaviour from the Romanian home fans took place throughout the match, including chanting 'Kosovo is Serbia', 'Serbia! Serbia!', whistling during the Kosovo national anthem, and throwing objects," adding that "an unsafe and unacceptable atmosphere was created for our players."
They continued, "We informed UEFA in writing more than twice about this possibility of provocation, starting a few days before the match," and argued, "However, Romanian fans continued to engage in irresponsible and discriminatory language and actions, and the Kosovo national team had no choice but to leave the stadium in a situation where they could not maintain their safety and dignity."
The Kosovo Football Association said its players had been threatened and assaulted by Romanian officials in the stadium corridors, adding: "We have immediately reported all these serious violations and are preparing evidence and a complaint to be submitted to UEFA's disciplinary committee."
The Romanian Football Federation responded by saying Kosovo's 스포츠토토사이트 claims were unfounded and that Kosovo fans had engaged in politically offensive behavior.
The Romanian Football Federation said it was disappointed with the Kosovo team's withdrawal from the ground, insisting that the move was also a planned move.
Kosovo gained independence from Serbia in 2008.
More than 100 countries have recognized Kosovo's independence.
However, Romania, which has friendly relations with Serbia, does not recognize Kosovo's independence.