Afrigather Albania striker Mirlind Daku was banned for 2 video games by UEFA on Sunday after main followers in derogatory chants with a megaphone following his group’s 2-2 draw in opposition to Croatia at Euro 2024.
The 26-year-old Rubin Kazan ahead insulted North Macedonia and later apologized, however will now miss his facet’s closing Group B match in opposition to Spain on Monday and a possible last-16 conflict.
“Daku shall be banned for a complete of two UEFA consultant group competitors matches for which he can be in any other case eligible,” UEFA stated in an announcement.
“The punishment was for failing to adjust to the final rules of conduct, for violating the essential guidelines of respectable conduct, for utilizing sports activities occasions for manifestations of a non-sporting nature, and for bringing the game of soccer into disrepute.”
With one level after two matches in Group B, Albania face potential elimination from the Euro 2024 except they defeat Spain in Düsseldorf on Monday.
If they’re eradicated within the group stage, the second sport of Daku’s ban will carry over to the beginning of the UEFA Nations League in September.
“He is aware of he made a mistake. He has apologised, and now we want to consider tomorrow’s match,” Albania captain Berat Djimsiti instructed reporters on Sunday in Düsseldorf.
“I’m not right here to speak about politics. That’s as much as UEFA.”
Daku was launched in its place 5 minutes from the top of Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Croatia in Hamburg and didn’t play in any respect in his group’s opening 2-1 loss to Italy.
“We’re right here to play soccer in a significant match. We’re right here to speak about soccer,” stated Sylvinho, Albania coach, when requested in regards to the ban.
“There’s not a lot to say. We will’t waste vitality on something aside from making ready for tomorrow’s sport.”
UEFA additionally handed the Albanian Soccer Affiliation fines totalling €47,500 for a number of offenses associated to the Croatia sport. Of that, €25,000 was for “transmitting provocative messages not match for a sports activities occasion,” €20,000 for pitch invasions, and €2,500 was for the lighting of fireworks.
UEFA stated investigations into potential racist or discriminatory conduct by supporters within the Croatia match have been ongoing.
Serbian Soccer Affiliation chief Jovan Surbatovic had known as for sanctions after claiming supporters had struck up chants hostile to his nation.
