Albania plans tough security for Euro qualifier with Serbia

Posted October 06, 2015 7:00 am

The Associated Press

TIRANA, Albania (AP) - Albanian authorities are taking tough security measures for Thursday's European Championship qualifier against Serbia, fearing a repeat of nationalist violence that marred the first leg.

Police spokeswoman Hafize Peqini says about 1,500 police will be in and around the stadium in Elbasan, 50 kilometers (30 miles) south of Tirana.

Traffic will be banned near the venue, bars in the city center will be closed and fans will have to show identification and undergo searches before they are admitted.

Last year's game in Belgrade was abandoned after a drone with an Albanian nationalist flag flew over the field, prompting a brawl among players and a pitch invasion. Albania was awarded the match by forfeit 3-0.

Albania is third in Group I with 11 points from six matches.

Article Comments

Article Categories
Content Providers MLS Pro Sports Soccer Sports Sports Leagues Sports Types

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.