UEFA's disciplinary committee on Friday awarded Serbia a 3-0 victory in their aborted Euro 2016 qualification match with Albania, but deducted them three points. Both the Serbian and Albanian football federations responded by saying they would appeal the decision. Even Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama weighed into the debate, blasting UEFA. "Today justice has not been served regarding what had happened at the Belgrade stadium," Rama said on his Twitter profile.
The match in Belgrade was halted on October 14 after home fans invaded the pitch and attacked Albania players after a pro-Albanian flag was carried over the stadium by a drone. The match was goalless when it was abandoned in the 41st minute as Albania players fled to the changing rooms as irrate fans invaded the pitch. The provocative flag included a map of 'Greater Albania' incorporating parts of Serbia. Albania allegedly refused to continue playing as Serbian fans chanted "Death to Albanians" and "Kill Albanians".
"The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) met yesterday (Thursday) and announced the following decision after various incidents that occurred during the European Qualifier Group I match between Serbia and Albania, which was played in Belgrade on 14 October," said a UEFA media release. "The CEDB has decided to declare the above-mentioned match as forfeited. As a consequence, the Football Association of Albania (FShF) is deemed to have lost the match 3-0. In addition, the FShF has been fined 100,000 euros ($127,000).
Albania's federation immediately revealed they would appeal. "The UEFA commission's decision does not give justice. We cannot accept losing as all the facts are in our favour," blasted Albania's Italian coach Gianni De Biasi. "The three points belong to Albania and they've taken away from us what we've deserved."
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