Euro 2024 star slapped with two-game ban for encouraging offensive chants as Uefa confirm four charges
ALBANIA’S megaphone man Mirlind Daku will miss tonight’s final group tie with Spain after being hit with a two-match Uefa ban for inciting supporters.
Daku, 26, who plays for Russian side Rubin Kazan, picked up the loudspeaker at the end of Albania’s 2-2 draw with Croatia.
He then encouraged Albanian fans to chant nationalist songs that denigrated Serbia.
The Serbian FA were so angry that they threatened to QUIT the tournament if Uefa did not take action, prompting a full enquiry.
And now Uefa chiefs have confirmed their punishment among a series of sanctions arising from the game in Hamburg.
Daku was hit by FOUR charges – breaking the general principles of conduct, violating basic rules of decent conduct, using a sporting event for non-sporting reasons and bringing the game into disrepute.
The player apologised after the game, saying he was “sorry if I offended anyone” and adding: “The effect of the game did such things to me.
“Like any footballer, the emotions in these moments are on another level, which can only be understood on the pitch.
“It is difficult to describe the feeling of playing for this national team, for these wonderful fans who give us unconditional love.”
But Uefa have now come down hard, announcing the two-game ban which means Daku cannot play until the last eight if Albania go that far or miss their opening Nations League game in September if they go out.
Albania were also fined a total of £40,000 for fans lighting fireworks, a pitch invasion and banners carrying a “provocative message”.
Croatia were fined just under £24,000 for their fans lighting and throwing fireworks.
But further fines could follow as Uefa added: “Please be aware that the investigation/proceedings in relation to potential racist and/or discriminatory conducts by supporters in this match is ongoing.”