This Wednesday’s match between Romania and Kosovo was interrupted in the first half by the display of a political message against the foreign country in the stands.
Romania does not recognize Kosovo’s independence and fans of the home team unfurled a banner in the 18th minute that read “Kosovo is Serbia.” The Kosovar players left the match in protest and consequently the referee and UEFA suspended the match.
The website of the body that oversees European football explains what happened: “Due to the discriminatory behavior of the fans, the match was suspended. More information will be communicated soon.”
The match ended up resuming about 40 minutes after the interruption.
Kosovo proclaimed its independence from Serbia in 2008 and is recognized by 95 member countries of the United Nations. Romania is one of the countries that does not recognize independence. In the European Union, Cyprus, Spain, Slovakia and Greece also do not recognize the separation of Serbia.
Source: TSF
