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Football

24th Jun 2018

FIFA open disciplinary proceedings against Stephan Lichtsteiner after celebrations against Serbia

They could be facing two match bans

Reuben Pinder

The plot thickens.

Xherdan Shaqiri and Granit Xhaka celebrated their goals against Switzerland by displaying the Black Eagle symbol associated with Albanian nationalism. Under FIFA rules, this is deemed as provocative and political, and FIFA have since opened disciplinary proceedings against the duo. It has recently been revealed by BBC Sports reporter Richard Conway that Switzerland captain Stephan Lichtsteiner is also being charged by FIFA for his part in the celebrations.

On the other side of the dispute, President of the Serbian FA, Slavisa Kokeza and Serbian coach Mladen Krstajić as also being charged for comments made after the game in relation to the incident.

Xhaka, Shaqiri and Lichtsteiner could be facing potential two-match bans from FIFA as a punishment for the goal celebrations. With one group game remaining, they will not want to be without three of their key players.

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