June 16, (THEWILL)- European football’s governing body, UEFA, has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the Albanian Football Federation following several incidents during Albania’s 2-1 loss to Italy at Euro 2024 on Saturday in Dortmund.
The charges relate to a pitch invasion by Albanian fans, objects being thrown, and the lighting of fireworks in the stands occupied by Albania supporters. UEFA also cited “transmitting a provocative message unfit for a sports event” as one of the offences, without providing further details.
A number of Albanian fans stormed the pitch late in the Group B match after Italy scored an 86th-minute winner through Ciro Immobile. Stewards battled to remove the pitch invaders as objects rained down from the Albanian end of the stadium.
The case will now go before UEFA’s Control, Ethics, and Disciplinary Body to determine what sanctions, if any, will be levied against the Albanian FA. Punishments could range from fines to potential stadium closures for future matches.
Albania’s tournament continues on Wednesday when they face Croatia in Frankfurt. Italy top Group B after their opening win and play Spain next on Thursday.
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