The historic match between Albania and Italy in ‘Renzo Barbera’ stadium interruption by the Albanian fans was without any shadow of doubt an ugly gesture. A group known as “Illyrian Elite” generated confusion in 58th minute by “invading’ the stairs with smoking grenades, causing match’s interruption due to a massive smoke cloud that diminished visibility in the field. Slovenian referee, Vincic was forced to interrupt the match while a security steward was injured in the stadium’s stairs.

Odds are that this situation will not be tolerated by FIFA, on view of the fact that similar episodes have been severely punished by the highest body of football on a global level. A fine that varies from EUR 50.000 to EUR 100.000 may be imposed to the Albanian Football Federation (AFF), while the chances of a more severe punishment can’t be excluded. The final decision on this issue remains to be seen, but the fine seems to be an unavoidable punishment.