https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44592846 Switzerland pair Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri face two-match bans for their goal celebrations in their side's World Cup victory against Serbia. Football's world governing body Fifa is investigating whether or not they broke rules on political and offensive messages. Both players are ethnic Albanians from Kosovo, where a Serbian crackdown on the Albanian population only ended with Nato military intervention in 1999. They made 'double eagle' gestures after scoring, symbolising the Albanian flag. The country's flag carries the image of a double-headed eagle. BBC Sport understands that Fifa will examine if the gestures can be classed as provocation. Under article 54 of the governing body's disciplinary code, "anyone who provokes the general public during a match will be suspended for two matches and sanctioned with a minimum fine of 5,000 Swiss francs (£3,800)". It is thought that Fifa plans to call expert witnesses to explain how the goal celebrations could be classed as provocative. It will be argued that the behaviour illustrates the Albanian nationalist-supported notion of a Greater Albania, which makes territorial claims on parts of Kosovo, Serbia, Macedonia and Greece. If Fifa's case is upheld, the players would miss the last Group E game against Costa Rica and the last-16 match if Switzerland qualify. On Saturday, Fifa confirmed that its disciplinary committee had opened proceedings against Xhaka and Shaqiri, adding: "In relation to the same match, disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the Serbian FA for crowd disturbance and the display of political and offensive messages by Serbian fans. "Furthermore, a preliminary investigation has been opened against the coach of the Serbian national team, Mladen Krstajic, for alleged statements made in the aftermath of said match." It is unclear what the investigation into Krstajic refers to, but in comments to Serbian reporters on Saturday, he said of match referee Felix Brych: "I wouldn't give him either a yellow or red card, I would send him to The Hague. Then they could put him on trial, like they did to us." After the game, which his side won 2-1, Switzerland's Bosnia-born manager Vladimir Petkovic was asked about the celebrations and said: "You should never mix football and politics. It's important to be a fan, and to give respect. "It was a wonderful atmosphere and that's what support should be about." Arsenal midfielder Xhaka's father spent three and a half years as a political prisoner in Yugoslavia, while Shaqiri was born in Yugoslavia before emigrating to Switzerland as a child. Stoke City forward Shaqiri also sported a Kosovan flag, stitched onto his boots. "It's just emotion," he said about his celebration. "I'm very happy to score this goal. It's not more. I think we don't have to speak about this now."
Switzerland were my team in the work sweep-stake. I kept reminding myself that they're actually ranked 6th in the world prior to their deserved draw with Brazil. It is however guaranteed that any team with my backing will somehow implode, and this is just Fifa finding a way to fulfill that prophecy. In all seriousness, they seem pretty likely to have known what they were doing and it's banned for a reason.
Aye, for all it’s bullshit the rules on political statements couldn’t be clear. Nations have been banned for **** sake. I mean I understand the passion, both lads did try and get permission to play for Kosovo if memory serves so it matters to them. I don’t fully understand where Albania comes into it I’m gonna have a read up. Xhaka’s brother plays for Albania. Still not ****ing Kosovo though is it?
I think if they hadn't been playing against Serbia at the time it might not have been as much of an issue. If England played Ireland and the goal scorers from one side started making signs which referenced the troubles or did anything which could stir up anger in more temperamental parts of the fanbase it wouldn't be ok, it's a fine line but doesn't have anything to do with football. Just ****ing play lads, or not if you're that bothered by it all.
I was surprised Fifa didn’t veto the boots to be fair, having a Kosovo flag was always provocative, beyond question. They should still have enough to get what they need, but looks like it’s 3 now banned as Lichtsteiner is involved, what the ****s he got involved for?
Probably just because he's captain and they're two of the big players for Switzerland. Given that there was apparently Serbs in the crowd with pictures of Ratko Mladic on their tops and chanting "Kill Albanians" (which obviously isn't ok either), anything to torment them needs to be stamped out. It's all very silly.
Yeah they weren't best pleased. My man Mitrovic (a random finishing generator) had a good game, anything to add to his value. Serbia almost certainly going out now though!
