New Delhi: The UEFA Nations League match between Romania and Kosovo was abandoned in the stoppage time at the Nationals Arena in Romania. The match was marked by scuffles between both teams players and Kosovo players even walked off the pitch.
The match remained goalless although Kosovo dominated the match as they had 17 shorts on target as compared to four from the hosts. However, as per reports, the disturbance emerged from some of the fans in the stands who chanted “Serbia!” directed at the visitor side.
Total football! 🔥#ROUKOS pic.twitter.com/caJL0jQDlK
— Kosovan Football 🇽🇰 (@kosovanfooty_EN) November 15, 2024
The ongoing tensions between Serbia and Kosovo trace back to Kosovo’s declaration of independence in 2008, a move that Serbia refuses to recognize. Serbia continues to regard Kosovo as its Autonomous Province of Kosovo and Metohija further fueling the strained relationship. While over 100 countries have recognized Kosovo’s independence, Romania remains among those that have not.
The tensions were evident during the recent Nations League clash where inflammatory chants aimed at the Kosovo players and staff only escalated matters. The situation worsened following a heated altercation between Romania’s Denis Alibec and Kosovo’s Amir Rrahmani which saw the two players grab each other by the collar.
In the aftermath, Kosovo’s players and staff decided to walk off the pitch in the 93rd minute. Romania waited for over an hour in hopes of a return to the game but Kosovo’s absence persisted. In an unprecedented twist, the referee resumed play with only the Romanian team on the field before eventually blowing the full-time whistle, declaring the match suspended.
🇷🇴 Romania – Kosovo* Match Update
After an ultimatum by the referee, the Kosovo* players refused to come out and continue playing, the referee ended the match
A 3-0 victory will likely be awarded to Romania following Kosovo’s* refusal to end the game pic.twitter.com/H01nFz8JGd
— Daily Romania (@daily_romania) November 15, 2024
UEFA did not provide a reason for why the match was cut short, stating only that the game had been ‘abandoned’ and that it would ‘communicate further information in due course.’ Matches between the two sides have always been marked by tension, with the previous instance occurring in September 2024 at the Fadil Vokrri Stadium in Pristina, Kosovo.
That game also got interrupted multiple times for similar reasons they also included chants like “Kosovo is Serbia!” That match ended in favour of Romania as they won 3-0 while the Kosovo Football Federation was fined a total of $67,502 for violence in that game.
A heated evening in Bucharest?
Ultras marching to the stadium. Romania does not recognise Kosovo. The FRF has repeatedly warned against disorder.
Last year, Romania – Kosovo was suspended for 50 minutes over chants and a banner ‘Kosovo is Serbia’. pic.twitter.com/7ANqyazjvb
— Sam Kunti (@samindrakunti) November 15, 2024
Romania are leading the group standings with 11 points from four wins, while Kosovo sits second with nine points from four matches. If this game is forfeited, Romania will likely be awarded a 3-1 victory, in line with the rules for abandoned matches.
Discover the reason behind the suspension of the Romania vs Kosovo UEFA Nations League 2024-25 match during second-half injury time. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
