June 21 – The North Macedonia FA has demanded a public apology from Albanian international Mirlind Daku for his offensive chants after Wednesday’s Euro 2024 match between Croatia and Albania.
The scandal erupted after the final whistle of the game in Hamburg, when Daku took a megaphone and called on the Albanian fans chant ‘f*** Macedonia’ and ‘f*** Serbs’.
Yesterday, the Serbian Football Federation also called on UEFA to punish the Albanian footballer. A few hours later, the North Macedonian FA also informed that they would lodge a complaint with UEFA.
“We express our deep concern and unequivocal condemnation regarding nationalist chants by Mirlind Daku, a representative of Albania, directed against the Macedonian state after yesterday’s match between Croatia and Albania in the European Championship,” said an FA statement.
“The behavior is unacceptable and contrary to the basic values of sportsmanship and mutual respect that football promotes.
“Sports, especially football, is the basis for keeping people of different nationalities and an environment for cooperation and respect.” the statement continued.
“Nationalist rhetoric, however, undermines these principles, fueling division and hostility between fans and societies…
“We call on Albania’s footballer Mirlind Daku to publicly apologize for his behavior, recognizing the damage he has caused. We also call on the relevant institutions to investigate this incident and take appropriate disciplinary measures to reinforce the standards of behavior expected of all athletes. Our commitment to promoting unity, respect and fair play in sport remains paramount.”
Contact the writer of this story, Aleksander Krassimirov, at moc.l1732374610labto1732374610ofdlr1732374610owedi1732374610sni@o1732374610fni1732374610