eagle eyes

World Cup 2018: Switzerland trio Granit Xhaka, Xherdan Shaqiri and Stephan Lichtsteiner escape Fifa bans for Albanian Eagle celebrations against Serbia

Serbian FA hit out after the three players made the gesture during Switzerland's 2-1 win in Russia

THREE Switzerland players have escaped FIFA bans for doing the Albanian Eagle celebration against Serbia.

Granit Xhaka, Xherdan Shaqiri and Stephan Lichtsteiner have been fined, but will be able to play against Costa Rica on Wednesday.

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Granit Xhaka celebrates after scoring the equaliser in the group stage matchCredit: EPA

The gesture is a nationalist symbol that represents the double headed eagle on Albania's national flag.

Serbian FA chiefs demanded action from the world governing body after witnessing the celebration.

It has now been confirmed that the Xhaka and Shaqiri will have to pay a fine of CHF 10,000 [£7630].

Lichtsteiner will have to fork out out CHF 5,000 [3816] for his actions.

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Xherdan Shaqiri celebrates after scoring his side's second goal in RussiaCredit: Reuters

 

The Serbian fans will be furious after they called for the pair to receive a two-match ban for the "provocative gestures".

Xhaka and Shaqiri both come from Kosovan Albanian families, but have spent their whole lives in Switzerland.

Shaqiri outraged the Serbs by wearing boots with the flags of both Switzerland his native land.

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And the Arsenal star ruffled a few feathers as he screamed "Kosovo" as he celebrated his World Cup goal.


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The three players will be eligible to start in Switzerland's final group stage fixture.

Vladimir Petkovic's side are second in Group E after a 1-1 draw against in Brazil and the win over Serbia.

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Switzerland are one point behind Brazil in Group ECredit: EPA
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