In a recent to Euronews Albania, the prominent Albanian sports journalist and commentator Dritan Shakohoxha commended Albanian football fans, describing them as the most peaceful supporters in Europe. Shakohoxha’s remarks came in response to a recent altercation, which he attributed to the Serbian side, whom he claimed arrived “armed for battle.”
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| Albanian fans with flags in their hands during a match of the Albanian national football team |
Shakohoxha elaborated on the historical context of Serbian fan behavior, stating, "Serbia has always had a violent fan base, which UEFA has repeatedly sanctioned due to their aggressive behavior. In contrast, Albanian fans never cause problems; they sing and dance with the Italians. Albanians and Serbs share no common ground in this regard. Serbs are the biggest issue in European football; they need to be confined within their own fences."
He further highlighted the notorious reputation of Serbian fans, noting their frequent penalties and the aggressive incidents that have marred their history. "Even in past European tournaments, Serbia had the most penalized fan base and national team. These individuals are essentially criminal organizations. There’s no comparison; those men came armed to create chaos, and when the police intervened, they claimed provocation by Albanians," Shakohoxha asserted.
Shakohoxha’s comments underscore the ongoing tension and contrast between Albanian and Serbian football supporters, emphasizing the need for a clear distinction between peaceful fandom and violent hooliganism in the world of sports.