Terrorism police deployed amid violence fears for World Cup qualifier
Tensions are high in Tirana as Albania host Serbia in England's 2026 World Cup qualifying group almost 11 years on from infamous abandonment because of drone carrying flag
An estimated 2,000 police officers including an anti terrorism unit are bracing for trouble ahead of Albania and Serbia's World Cup qualifier in Tirana on Saturday night - after their most recent meeting in 2014 was abandoned because of an infamous drone row.
The teams are facing off in Group K, the same pool as England, with visiting fans banned from attending the 22,500-capacity Arena Kombetare.
But tensions will remain high throughout the weekend after the Serbia squad were escorted to their hotel by armed officers from the RENEA anti-terrorism unit.
When the Balkan rivals met for a first time in October 2014, Serbia fans were heard chanting 'Kill the Albanian' before a drone carrying the flag of Great Albania flew over the Partizan stadium in Belgrade with the match still scoreless.
It was dragged down by Serbia player Stefan Mitrovic, who was then subsequently surrounded by angry Albania players. From there ugly scenes erupted in the stands, leading to the game being abandoned.
Months later the Court of Arbitration for Sport awarded Albania a 3-0 win. Serbia won the reverse fixture but it was held in a high-security bubble and passed off without major incident - despite rioting on the streets beforehand.
Now they have been paired together with tonight's game coming under heavy scrutiny - especially since UEFA have awarded the nations joint hosting rights for the 2027 Under-21 Euros because they feel that can help build a relationship between the fierce rivals.
And Armand Duka, president of the Albanian Football Federation, called on his compatriots to see the match as a sports event 'where the team gets support and positive energy from the fans to achieve the goal.'
'We want to give the message: let's live it as a sport festivity,' Duka told reporters, adding that Serbia supporters being banned "will contribute to a quieter environment.'
He added: 'Players do not bear the burden of history or of the political tensions. They compete on the pitch to win, to give the best for the jersey they represent and, above all, to build the bridge of respect through the game.'
Elseid Hysaj, the only member of Albania's present squad who was in the 2014 team, struck a peaceful note too, saying: 'We should be calm and be conscious that we are football players. We are here to please the fans and give our best for the victory.'
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