Lazio” data-scaytid=”1″>Lazio goalkeeper Etrit Berisha and Empoli” data-scaytid=”4″>Empoli defender Elseid Hysaj said Serbia-Albania was “like a war zone.”
Lazio goalkeeper Etrit Berisha and Empoli defender Elseid Hysaj said Serbia-Albania was “like a war zone.”
The Euro 2016 qualifier in Belgrade was abandoned after 42 minutes last night when a drone flying a politically-charged message flew over the stadium and was snatched down by a Serbian player, sparking a riot.
“Before the game we knew the whole nation would be watching us in this very important match,” said Lazio and Albania goalkeeper Berisha.
“The atmosphere was like a war zone.”
Empoli defender Hysaj was also in Belgrade and witnessed the shocking events.
“What happened yesterday was unexpected, albeit imaginable. Games at such high risk should not be played in a stadium without protection.
“It was incredible to find hooligans right in front of you during a match with nobody there to defend us. I am fine, but we are all so sad at what happened.”
Albanian players and coaching staff claim Serbian police and stewards did nothing to stop fans running on to attack them, even suggesting some contributed to the beatings.