• Euro 2016 qualifiers

Serbia-Albania abandoned due to flag-flying drone

ESPN staff
October 14, 2014
Serbia defender Stefan Mitrovic pulled the flag off the drone before a shoving match ensued © Getty Images
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The European Championship qualifier between Serbia and Albania in Belgrade was abandoned shortly before half-time after a flying drone carrying an Albanian flag hovered over the pitch.

The two countries, separated by the disputed territory of Kosovo, share a tense history and Albania's federation did not make tickets available for travelling fans after a recommendation from UEFA. Albanian fans attempting to enter the ground faced the possibility of the arrest.

The first-half had proceeded without major incident when the arrival of the flag over the stadium provoked the Serbian crowd.

Tensions increased when the flag was snared by Serbia's Aleksandar Mitrovic, who then pulled on the strings connecting it to the drone. He was immediately confronted by Albanian players and a shoving match ensued.

As fans began to throw objects on the pitch, Albania's players ran for their dressing-room, followed shortly afterwards by Serbia's players. Police took control after a chaotic five-minute period.

Officials originally said play would continue but nearly an hour after the game was stopped, the contest was abandoned by English referee Martin Atkinson. However, fans remained in their seats long after the announcement was made.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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