UEFA chief on why Serbia and Albania wound up in same group

UEFA chief on why Serbia and Albania wound up in same group

BELGRADE -- UEFA President Michel Platini has said that Serbia and Albania "never went to war, like Armenia and Azerbaijan."

For that reason, the two countries were not separated ahead of the draw for the 2016 European football championship.

"According to that logic we should also separate Greece and Macedonia, who also have political differences, but we do not do that and instead talk with presidents and prime ministers responsible for national security. Football should not separate people, it should bring them together, and Serb and Albanian players from Lazio are the best example," said Platini.

Everything that happened during the October 14 qualifier incident in Belgrade was "unforgivable," he reiterated, and announced penalties.

The Serbia vs. Albania game was abandoned in the 42nd minute after the visiting fans staged a provocation by flying a small remotely guided craft with a map of the so-called Greater Albania, that resulted in more incidents involving footballers and fans.

UEFA is due to decide on October 23 on the way the game's outcome will be register and on punishment for football associations and individuals.