Euro 2016

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European Championship | Qualifiers

Oct 14, 2014 at 7.45pm UK

Serbia Serbia
0-3
Albania Albania

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Football

Albanian FA accuse police of attacking players amid violent scenes in Serbia

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter | 16 October 2014

The Albanian FA accuses police of attacking their players during a mass brawl that broke out during the Serbia, Albania Euro 2016 qualifier.

The Albanian Football Association has accused the police of attacking a number of their players during the violent scenes that marred Tuesday's Euro 2016 qualifier against Serbia.

Referee Martin Atkinson was forced to abandon the match after a drone carrying an Albanian flag flew over and onto the pitch.

After Serbia's Stefan Mitrovic pulled the flag down, a brawl broke out between both sets of players, as well as Serbian fans, some of whom invaded the pitch.

A statement released by the Albanian FA said: "Civilians entered the pitch causing a melee, punching Albania players and hitting them with stools. Furthermore, our players were also hit by stewards and security personnel serving at the game.

"Making their way to the dressing rooms, in the tunnel, Albania players were repeatedly hit by Serbia supporters, security personnel and the police.

"Also, before the Albanian players were allowed to leave the stadium, with orders from Belgrade prosecutor general, according to the police, the entire staff and players of the Albania national side were physically searched. Police went through each member's and player's personal belongings."

UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the two nations following the incident.