Tense Start to World Cup Qualifiers as Albania vs Serbia Match Halted by Crowd Incidents
Albanian fans disrupt World Cup qualifying match in Tirana, leading to multiple stoppages due to player injuries from thrown objects.
The opening match of the World Cup qualifying campaign between Albania and Serbia faced significant disruptions in Tirana, underscoring the charged atmosphere surrounding the fixture.
The Serbian national team began their qualifying journey under tense conditions, encountering hostility from the local crowd.
During the pre-match ceremonies, the atmosphere escalated as Serbian players stepped onto the field.
The singing of the Serbian national anthem was met with loud boos and jeers from the Albanian supporters, which included provocations targeting players and staff alike.
Reports indicated that even young Albanian children were involved in taunting gestures during this period.
The match saw its first interruption in the eighth minute when Serbian player Saša Lukić was struck on the head by an object thrown from the stands while attempting to take a corner kick.
The object, described as likely a coin or similar item, prompted a two-minute suspension of play while Lukić received attention.
Albanian player Laçi quickly returned the item to the crowd.
As the game resumed, further incidents marred the match's progression.
In the 60th minute, another interruption occurred when Strahinja Eraković was hit in the head by a projectile, leading to a second temporary halt of play for approximately two minutes.
Shortly thereafter, in the 65th minute, a third stoppage was initiated when player Živković was also targeted and hit on the head.
The match referee paused the game to consult with the team captains and officials, highlighting the severity of the incidents.
Following another announcement over the stadium's public address system warning fans against throwing objects, the game continued despite these disruptions, marking a tumultuous beginning to the qualifications for the World Cup.
The Serbian national team began their qualifying journey under tense conditions, encountering hostility from the local crowd.
During the pre-match ceremonies, the atmosphere escalated as Serbian players stepped onto the field.
The singing of the Serbian national anthem was met with loud boos and jeers from the Albanian supporters, which included provocations targeting players and staff alike.
Reports indicated that even young Albanian children were involved in taunting gestures during this period.
The match saw its first interruption in the eighth minute when Serbian player Saša Lukić was struck on the head by an object thrown from the stands while attempting to take a corner kick.
The object, described as likely a coin or similar item, prompted a two-minute suspension of play while Lukić received attention.
Albanian player Laçi quickly returned the item to the crowd.
As the game resumed, further incidents marred the match's progression.
In the 60th minute, another interruption occurred when Strahinja Eraković was hit in the head by a projectile, leading to a second temporary halt of play for approximately two minutes.
Shortly thereafter, in the 65th minute, a third stoppage was initiated when player Živković was also targeted and hit on the head.
The match referee paused the game to consult with the team captains and officials, highlighting the severity of the incidents.
Following another announcement over the stadium's public address system warning fans against throwing objects, the game continued despite these disruptions, marking a tumultuous beginning to the qualifications for the World Cup.
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