'I respect Xhaka and Shaqiri as footballers, but if you like Albania so much, then why don't you play for Albania?' Nemanja Matic on Serbia rivalry and political tension

"The history of the Balkan territories in Eastern Europe is stippled with violence, independence movements and conflicting views on statehood. Whilst Serbia believe the autonomous nation of Kosovo belongs to them, Albania support Kosovo's right to self-determination due to the country's large Kosovar Albanian demographic. In this part of the world, nationalism is especially deep-seated and expressions can often surface at sporting events."

"Serbia and Kosovo are prohibited from playing each other in official UEFA and FIFA competitions due to security concerns and political tension, however, Serbia and Albania have faced one another on four occasions since the breakup of Yugoslavia. Ahead of a Euro 2016 qualifier 11 years ago, the two countries' first meeting since 1967, a drone flew over the stadium with a banner depicting a map of 'Greater Albania' which features territories including Kosovo, whose nationhood Serbia disputes."

The Balkan territories have a history marked by violence, independence movements and conflicting views on statehood. Serbia contests Kosovo's independence, while Albania supports Kosovo's right to self-determination because of its large Kosovar Albanian population. Deep-seated nationalism in the region often surfaces at sporting events. Xherdan Shaqiri celebrated a last-minute winner against Serbia at the 2018 World Cup and wore the Kosovo flag on the heel of his customised boots. Serbia and Kosovo are prohibited from playing each other in official UEFA and FIFA competitions for security and political reasons. A Euro 2016 qualifier between Serbia and Albania was abandoned after a drone displaying a 'Greater Albania' map sparked a brawl, prompting heightened security at later fixtures.

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