The UEFA Nations League match between Romania and Kosovo was abruptly abandoned in stoppage time with the score tied 0-0, following scuffles between players and rising tensions on the pitch. The incident occurred in Bucharest on Friday evening, with Kosovo players walking off the field after an altercation with their Romanian counterparts.
While UEFA did not provide a detailed explanation for the suspension, reports indicated that Kosovo players were upset after reportedly hearing pro-Serbian slogans from the crowd. The governing body issued a brief statement confirming the game’s abandonment, adding that further details would be provided in due course.
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The match was marred by long-standing political tensions between the two nations. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but Serbia continues to refuse recognition of Kosovo’s sovereignty, creating an ongoing diplomatic rift. Matches involving Kosovo, Serbia, and Albania have frequently been fraught with political and ethnic sensitivities.
UEFA has yet to announce any sanctions or further actions related to the incident.
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