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A scandal erupted during a soccer match between Romania and Kosovo on Friday when the Kosovo team walked off the field in the 93rd minute of play following a scuffle between two players. The Danish referee blew the final whistle after giving the Kosovars 5 minutes to return to the playing field. Under these circumstances, Romania should receive the victory, by a score of 3-0, as a result of abandonment by the opponent.
The Kosovo players claim they left the field because of “provocations” by the Romanians. The referee did not agree with their accusations and asked them to return to the field. The Kosovo coach, Franco Foda, agreed with the official’s assessment and asked his players to return to the pitch.
Kosovo needed a 3-0 win in Romania to have any realistic chance of leading their Nations League group. The Albanian players hoped the officials would agree that Romania was to blame for their walkoff which would have resulted in a 3-0 win for Kosovo.
The Romanian spectators, however, did not chant obscene words, and did not display banners with Serbia. Instead the Kosovo players continuously provoked the supporters of the Romanian national team. At one point, commentary claims that “Serbia, Serbia” was chanted from the stands, but this chant itself is not prohibited, nor is it racist or xenophobic.
Romania does not recognize Kosovo’s independence. During a previous match in Prishtina, the hosts behaved horribly, booing the Romanian anthem and spitting on the tricolor players. Romania won that match 3-0.
Assuming UEFA upholds the decision of the officials, Romania will manage to finish Group 2 of League C in the first position and will be promoted to League B.
