TIRANA,
Albania (AP) - Soccer authorities in Albania are appealing to fans to
be on their best behavior for the Oct. 8 European Championship qualifier
against Serbia, after a match between the two sides last year was
marred by violence and interrupted by a drone carrying a nationalist
Albanian banner.
Albania Football Association spokesman Tritan Kokona on Friday said match tickets would carry the name of the holders - to be checked against their identity cards - and a printed message saying: “We know how to fight for victory but also how to show a spirit of world citizenry, fair play, rules of the game and respect for the visiting team.”
Authorities say 1,000 police officers will be providing security for the Group I game at Elbasan Arena, some 50 kilometers (30 miles) south of capital Tirana.
The first leg of the qualifier was abandoned in Belgrade last year because of the extensive violence that included a brawl among players and a pitch invasion by home fans. Albania was awarded the match by forfeit 3-0.
Albania is third in the group with 11 points from six matches. Portugal leads with 15 points, followed by Denmark with 12 but having played an additional game. The top two qualify automatically with the third-place team entering a playoff.
Albania Football Association spokesman Tritan Kokona on Friday said match tickets would carry the name of the holders - to be checked against their identity cards - and a printed message saying: “We know how to fight for victory but also how to show a spirit of world citizenry, fair play, rules of the game and respect for the visiting team.”
Authorities say 1,000 police officers will be providing security for the Group I game at Elbasan Arena, some 50 kilometers (30 miles) south of capital Tirana.
The first leg of the qualifier was abandoned in Belgrade last year because of the extensive violence that included a brawl among players and a pitch invasion by home fans. Albania was awarded the match by forfeit 3-0.
Albania is third in the group with 11 points from six matches. Portugal leads with 15 points, followed by Denmark with 12 but having played an additional game. The top two qualify automatically with the third-place team entering a playoff.
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