Kosovo players storm off pitch in anger over Romania chants & offensive banners

Kosovo players walked off the pitch during their Euro 2024 qualifier with Romania after Romanian fans were heard chanting 'Kosovo is Serbia'.

The Balkan nation declared independence from Serbia in 2008, due to its largely Albanian population. However, Serbia has disputed their independence, and it still considers Kosovo as a province of its country – despite having no formal control.

The offensive chanting from the Romanian fans also included banners being unfurled in the stands with the same message.

As a result, Kosovar players left the pitch with just 19 minutes on the clock, with the scores level at 0-0 at the time of the stoppage.

READ MORE: Granit Xhaka's dad rages at glamorous journalist who slammed his 'gesture' at World Cup

Sky Sports is bringing you 500 live football games to watch, as well access to Cricket, Golf, F1, Boxing, NFL, NBA and more across eight dedicated channels. Sky Sports is the only way to watch all the action this year.

£22 a month

Kosovo's independence has been recognised by about 100 countries, including the UK and the US. However, it's only an observer state on the UN council.

Russia, China, and Spain are three of the countries who don't recognise the state – and instead back Serbia – with Romania also falling into this category.

Do you think football needs to do more to combat offensive chanting? Let us know in the comments section

A stadium announcer could be heard saying: "Efforts are being made to restart the match.

"Please stop chanting our neighbour's name! Revisionism is not tolerated by UEFA. This is the final warning."

The stoppage lasted for 50 minutes, before Kosovo and Romania agreed to continue the match.

Nicolae Stanciu and Valentin Mihăilă found the net for the Eastern Europeans, as Romania claimed the three points in their bid to qualify for Euro 2024 next summer.

Source: Read Full Article