Soccer Match Abandoned Over Drone-Induced Brawl

Soccer Match Abandoned Over Drone-Induced Brawl

Last night, Serbia played Albania at soccer in a Euro 2016 qualifier. But, in the 40th minute, things turned surreal: a drone flew over the pitch flying a flag, which raised tensions enough to start a fight and get the match stopped.

For a little background here, it’s worth noting that the Serbia-Albania political situation is a sensitive one. The drone was flying a flag referring to Greater Albania: an area covering all parts of the Balkans, in which ethnic Serbians reside, but which spreads into other countries in the area. When a Serbian player seized the flag, the Albaninan team got a little… angry. And a brawl kicked off.

Cue riot police and the match being delayed by 30 minutes, until English referee Martin Atkinson abandoned the game. These videos show what happened on the pitch. Drones: still as divisive as ever! [Reuters]


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