Published: 15:51, November 16, 2024
Kosovo-Romania match abandoned after players walk off pitch following pro-Serbia chants
By Reuters
Romania fans wave with flares during the Nations League match between Romania and Kosovo, in the National Arena, Bucharest, Romania, on Nov 15, 2024. (PHOTO / REUTERS)

BUCHAREST - A Nations League match between Romania and Kosovo in Bucharest was abandoned in stoppage time on Friday after the visiting players walked off the field when they heard pro-Serbia chanting from the home fans.

With the match heading for a goalless draw, the Kosovars headed for the dressing room in the 93rd minute after home fans chanted, "Serbia! Serbia!" during a heated exchange between Kosovo captain Amir Rrahmani and Romanian striker Denis Alibec.

ALSO READ: Ronaldo double helps Portugal reach quarters with 5-1 Poland thrashing

The match was initially suspended before being abandoned when the Kosovo team refused to return to the pitch. UEFA said it would communicate "further information in due course".

"This is too much," Rrahmani later told a news conference. "Everyone must know that Kosovo is Kosovo, or Kosovo is Albania. That's it. This is where it ends."

READ MORE: Early Tonali strike gives Italy away win over Belgium

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 and has been recognized by more than 100 countries, but not Romania.

The Romanian soccer federation was fined by UEFA last year over pro-Serbia chanting and the display of a banner reading "Kosovo is Serbia" by supporters during a Euro 2024 qualifier between the countries at the same National Arena.

READ MORE: France into Nations League last eight with Israel draw in front of scant crowd

Last month, the Football Federation of Kosovo was fined a total of 61,000 euros ($64,000) by UEFA for incidents during September's Nations League match against Romania in Pristina.

More than 90 percent of the Kosovo population are of Albanian ethnicity, and opinion polls have shown overwhelming support in the country for the unification of the neighbouring states.