A provocative banner reading „No Euro 2027 with Shkije“ caused a stir during a futsal match between Albania and Denmark in Orahovac on Saturday night, prompting police action and raising tensions over Albania and Serbia’s joint hosting of the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
Kosovo Police confirmed they questioned eight individuals after the banner—written in Albanian as “FSHF – JO EURO 2027 ME SHKIJE”—was displayed shortly before the end of the match.
The term Shkije is a derogatory word used by some Albanians to refer to Serbs, and the message was directed at the Albanian Football Federation (FSHF), criticizing its cooperation with Serbia.
Police said security personnel promptly removed the banner and that all eight individuals were released after questioning. An investigation is ongoing under suspicions of „inciting division and intolerance.“
The incident is the latest in a series of protests by the Albanian group Red and Black Fans, which has been vocal in its opposition to the joint organization of Euro 2027 by Albania and Serbia.
The group claimed responsibility for the banner, posting a photo of it on Facebook and labeling Orahovac as part of Albania.
“No Euro 2027 with Shkije; Orahovac, Albania,” the post read.
This is not the first time the group has used this slogan. On March 26, they shared an image of a similar banner displayed during a UEFA U21 qualifier between Luxembourg and Albania, accompanied by the same anti-co-hosting message.
The futsal match in Orahovac, which Albania lost 5–3 to Denmark, was the final qualifier for the 2026 UEFA Futsal Championship. Albania finished at the bottom of their group, with only one win from six matches. Pristina-based media outlet Koha noted that the Albanian Football Federation has not provided an explanation for why the match was played in Orahovac, a city in southern Kosovo with a majority Albanian population.
Despite the political tensions and opposition from some fan groups, the 2027 Under-21 European Championship is still set to be co-hosted by Serbia and Albania, with matches planned in both countries.
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