Xherdan Shaqiri refused to be drawn into a political discussion after making agesture evoking the Albanian flag following his game-winning goal for Switzerland againstSerbia.
The 26-year-old kept his cool in the 90th minute of the crucial World Cup Group E clash, slotting the ball into the net to complete Switzerland’s comeback after they had fallen behind early in the first half.
As hewheeled away in celebration, the Kosovo-born playmaker crossed his hands to imitate an eagle, which appears on Albania’s flag, prompting reporters to ask whether the gesture was a statement in light of Serbia’s failure to recognise his birthplaceas anindependentstate.
“I don’t want to speak about this,” Shaqirireplied.“In football you always have emotions. You can see what I did, I have emotions.
“I am happy to score this goal. We don’t have to speak about this now.”
Like Shaqiri, Switzerland head coach Vladimir Petkovic declined the opportunity to discuss political matters surrounding the fixture.
“You should never mix politics and football,” he said.“It’s good to be a fan, it’s important to show respect. It’s a wonderful atmosphere and positive emotions and that’s what football should be about.