Albanian prime minister "proud" after scandal

Albanian prime minister "proud" after scandal

TIRANA -- Several thousand people gathered at the airport in Tirana to give a hero's welcome to the national football team returning from Serbia.

The European championship qualifier between Serbia and Albania was abandoned late on Tuesday after a "drone" with a map showing Greater Albania was released above the pitch, followed by fights breaking out among the players of both teams, and between fans and players.

The brother of Albania's serving prime minister, Olsi Rama, suspected of provoking the scandal, was allowed to leave Belgrade.

Prime Minister Edi Rama, who is expected to visit Belgrade on October 22, had this to tell reporters:

"I am proud because the red-and-blacks (Albanian team) have won a football war. At the same time, I am sorry because of the neighbors (Serbs) who sent an ugly image to the world."

The map that was flown above the pitch showed the so-called Greater Albania that includes the Republic of Albania in its international borders - as well as Kosovo, other parts of central Serbia, parts of Greece - and about one half of the territories of Macedonia and Montenegro each.

The banner also depicted Albanian politician Ismail Qemali and wartime leader Isa Boletini.

Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dačić described the incident as "a planned political provocation."