Stephan Lichtsteiner, who is Swiss of Albanian descent, states that Granit Xhaka's and Xherdan Shaqiri's goal celebrations are understandable.
Yesterday, the Swiss national team defeated Serbia 2-1 after a tough battle. Both goals for the Swiss team were scored by Shaqiri and Xhaka - both footballers are of Albanian descent, so after their goals, they displayed the main symbol of the country: the double-headed eagle.
From history, it is known that Serbia fought against Albania and forced thousands of people to leave the country. G. Xhaka's father spent three years in a Serbian prison due to his political beliefs, and X. Shaqiri, born into an Albanian and Kosovar family, emigrated to Switzerland at the age of four.
Lichtsteiner mentioned that for some players in the Swiss national team, this match was more than just football.
"We felt a lot of pressure - these were not easy games for us," initially spoke the future Arsenal defender about the importance of the match.
"We have quite a few players of Albanian descent in the team who know the history of Serbia and Albania. For us, these were tough games in historical terms," said the Swiss.
When asked about their teammates' goal celebrations, Lichtsteiner replied: "Everything is fine here. It was just a matter of principle for them. I spoke with one of our players' fathers who told me the whole history of Albania-Serbia. It is more than just football. Both players had to go through a period that caused them serious problems.
"I understand them perfectly and see nothing wrong here - it is a part of their life. Before the match, we received provocations from the Serbs, so I fully justify their reaction after the goal," concluded the defender.
Xhaka & Shaqiri doubling down with the Albanian eagle celebrationpic.twittera.com/UCugIIe1ZSㅤ(@6Flavs) June 22, 2018
