Frankfurt, Germany (AP) - UEFA has announced that Albanian player Mirlind Daku has been suspended for two Euro 2024 matches after being found guilty of leading fans in nationalist chants at the recent European Championship. The incident occurred following Albania's 2-2 draw with Croatia in Hamburg, where Daku used a megaphone to chant slogans against Serbia and North Macedonia.

The situation has sparked controversy, with fans expressing mixed reactions on social media. Some criticized Daku's actions as inappropriate and nationalistic, calling for a harsher punishment. Others highlighted the need to move past divisive sentiments in the Balkans to promote unity and sportsmanship.

Despite the fallout, Albanian captain Berat Djimsiti emphasized the team's focus on their upcoming crucial match against Spain, where Daku's absence may affect Albania's strategy. The player later issued an apology on social media, acknowledging his mistake and expressing regret for his behavior.

Meanwhile, UEFA has charged both the Albanian and Croatian federations for potential racist conduct by fans during the same match. Croatia received a fine for fan-related incidents, while Albania was penalized for transmitting provocative messages.

The spotlight on nationalist sentiments in soccer reflects deeper political tensions in the region, as Albania and Serbia work to heal rifts through joint initiatives like a bid to co-host the men's Under-21 European Championship in 2027.

As UEFA continues to investigate the racism aspects of the incident, stakeholders are urged to maintain accountability and prevent further incidents. The Albanian Soccer Federation has called on fans to prioritize sportsmanship and avoid disruptive behavior during matches.