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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Exclusive by Nick Ames in Doha

Serbia fans ‘showed fascist slogans and sang about killing Albanians’ at game

Serbia’s flag on the pitch before their World Cup game against Switzerland on Friday
Serbia’s flag on the pitch before their World Cup game against Switzerland on Friday. Photograph: Marko Đurica/Reuters

Serbia supporters displayed fascist slogans and aimed racist chants towards ethnic Albanians during their side’s match against Switzerland on Friday night, according to an eyewitness account given to the Observer.

The scenes at Stadium 974 in Doha, where Switzerland won 3-2 to secure a last-16 place in a match that spilled over during the second half, raise questions about Fifa’s stewarding and in particular its apparent tolerance of offensive insignia. Hasan Rrahmani arrived at the match wearing an Albanian flag around his neck but says he had it confiscated at the entrance while derogatory nationalist symbols were allowed through. He says he was shown a WhatsApp message that Fifa had sent to security staff containing pictures of items, pictures and phrases that were not allowed.

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