Liverpool will face Red Star Belgrade in this year's Champions League, meaning the Switzerland international can expect a fiery welcome
Xherdan Shaqiri will probably avoid travelling with Liverpool for their Champions League match at Red Star Belgrade due to the hostile reception he would certainly receive, according to the Serbian club's sporting director Zvezdan Terzic.
Shaqiri featured in one of the most controversial moments of this year's World Cup, when he celebrated his winning goal in Switzerland's 2-1 triumph over Serbia by imitating the two-headed eagle in Albania's flag, something team-mate Granit Xhaka also did earlier in the game.
The celebration was a reference to Shaqiri's Kosovan heritage, as he was born in the partially recognised nation which was fought over by forces from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia – Montenegro and Serbia at the time – and the Kosovo Liberation Army in the late 1990s.
Tensions between Serbia and Albania remain high because of the war and Shaqiri was strongly criticised for his actions.
And, after Liverpool were drawn alongside Red Star in Champions League Group C, Shaqiri can surely expect arguably the most hostile reception of his career if he does feature in Belgrade on November 6.
"I think Shaqiri will undergo extraordinary psychological pressure," Terzic told daily Serbian publication Kurir.
"He knows where he will be going. I know very well that our club is a symbol of Serbia, unlike Partizan Belgrade, who represent Yugoslavia more.
"I do not know if he will be willing to play in Marakana [the nickname of Red Star's Rajko Mitic Stadium] under these conditions, so I doubt he'll come. If he comes, he'll be smaller than a poppy seed."
But Terzic was sure to ease Liverpool's worries with respect to security, adamant they will do their duty and protect Shaqiri.
"We have to do everything we can to make Shaqiri feel like he can play football," he added. "It is our duty to protect him. Let's be good hosts."
While Xhaka apologised for his celebration this week, Shaqiri undermined the idea when asked if he would make amends.
"Sure, I apologise if people felt attacked in Switzerland," he said.
"Somewhere, I don't know, maybe in the mountains, where someone watched the game and it bothered him, I would certainly apologise."
jespfanka
0
I hope shaqiri scores against them in the CL and repeats the celebration again
waoblpstyz
0
Hope Shaqiri scores, for the drama. But Liverpool end up eliminated somehow.
150 goals... in your own dreams
Elsa98
0
I do not know why people act like that.It's just a eagle made with hands that is the simbol of Albania.Why people should make such a big problem.There are different celebration and for Albanian player it is that simbol.Really I feel so sad to hear and read such nonsense words.
Oh thank you for your impressive reply..
Albania1912
1
So sad to have politic involved in football..[Cry] To be honest, if you make political signs on the biggest stage then you'll have to deal with the people who disagree..[Cry] No place for politics in football anyway..
I do not know why people act like that.It's just a eagle made with hands that is the simbol of Albania.Why people should make such a big problem.There are different celebration and for Albanian player it is that simbol.Really I feel so sad to hear and read such nonsense words.
SGTSingam
2
Xherdan Shaqiri will probably avoid travelling with Liverpool for their Champions League match at Red Star Belgrade due to the hostile reception he would certainly receive, according to the Serbian club's sporting director Zvezdan Terzic. Shaqiri featured in one of the most controversial moments of this year's World Cup, when he celebrated his winning goal in Switzerland's 2-1 triumph over Serbia by imitating the two-headed eagle in Albania's flag, something team-mate Granit Xhaka also did earlier in the game. The celebration was a reference to Shaqiri's Kosovan heritage, as he was born in the partially recognised nation which was fought over by forces from the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia – Montenegro and Serbia at the time – and the Kosovo Liberation Army in the late 1990s. Tensions between Serbia and Albania remain high because of the war and Shaqiri was strongly criticised for his actions. And, after Liverpool were drawn alongside Red Star in Champions League Group C, Shaqiri can surely expect arguably the most hostile reception of his career if he does feature in Belgrade on November 6. "I think Shaqiri will undergo extraordinary psychological pressure," Terzic told daily Serbian publication Kurir. "He knows where he will be going. I know very well that our club is a symbol of Serbia, unlike Partizan Belgrade, who represent Yugoslavia more. "I do not know if he will be willing to play in Marakana [the nickname of Red Star's Rajko Mitic Stadium] under these conditions, so I doubt he'll come. If he comes, he'll be smaller than a poppy seed." But Terzic was sure to ease Liverpool's worries with respect to security, adamant they will do their duty and protect Shaqiri. "We have to do everything we can to make Shaqiri feel like he can play football," he added. "It is our duty to protect him. Let's be good hosts." While Xhaka apologised for his celebration this week, Shaqiri undermined the idea when asked if he would make amends. "Sure, I apologise if people felt attacked in Switzerland," he said. "Somewhere, I don't know, maybe in the mountains, where someone watched the game and it bothered him, I would certainly apologise."
yubcdilsu
1
This is an issue that UEFA should be responsible for. Ultimately, they should make every player’s safety a priority wherever they play in the European competition. RESPECT. Either this is a policy which holds weight and meaning, or it is just a hollow buzz word. There is no place in sport for this type of political intimidation. Period. Indeed, Red Star should be out in front on this, telling their fans that this type of behavior won’t be tolerated, and only reinforces already held beliefs and misperceptions of teams from this region. Likewise, Liverpool fans behavior in the City match at Anfield was not a high point in their season. The incident with the Citizen’s team bus was deplorable.
Love Liverpool. Behaviour against City Bus was beyond disgraceful.
MisterJohnson
2
I hope he scores in that game and shows us the double eagle cely
Pinocch
2
Shakiri doesnt want to go there anyway.
UARTsure
0
You know what happens when you go to Red Star Belgrade...
Mocca
1
Hope Shaqiri scores, for the drama. But Liverpool end up eliminated somehow.
Geoffles
0
I dont think I would make the trip if I were Shaqiri. Serbians are crazy
makejin
0
Starts, score a hattrick, and every time celebrates with the eagle gesture.
kissyou
0
I still hope Shaqiri starts and smashes Liverpool
Elsa98
2
So sad to have politic involved in football..[Cry] To be honest, if you make political signs on the biggest stage then you'll have to deal with the people who disagree..[Cry] No place for politics in football anyway..
Pablo58
2
This is an issue that UEFA should be responsible for. Ultimately, they should make every player’s safety a priority wherever they play in the European competition. RESPECT. Either this is a policy which holds weight and meaning, or it is just a hollow buzz word. There is no place in sport for this type of political intimidation. Period. Indeed, Red Star should be out in front on this, telling their fans that this type of behavior won’t be tolerated, and only reinforces already held beliefs and misperceptions of teams from this region. Likewise, Liverpool fans behavior in the City match at Anfield was not a high point in their season. The incident with the Citizen’s team bus was deplorable.