Kosovo-Romania Euro qualifier halted after provocative Serbian chants

The Euro 2024 qualifier between Romania and Kosovo was suspended for just under an hour on Tuesday after Romanian fans repeatedly shouted provocative chants.

The game in Bucharest was stopped in the 18th minute after some of the crowd chanted "Serbia Serbia" and a player confronted people in the stands displaying a sign saying "Kosovo is Serbia", with the referee sending the players back to the changing rooms.

BREAKING NEWS: Romania vs Kosovo on hold after "Kosovo is Serbia" chanting and banners at the Romania ultras end. pic.twitter.com/JLhah3FWhc

— Emanuel Roşu (@Emishor) September 12, 2023

"The match has resumed after play was suspended due to discriminatory behaviour from some supporters," UEFA said on their website after an interruption of 50 minutes.

Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008 and won recognition from more than 100 countries, but not from Serbia.

Kosovo and Romania are in European qualifying Group I, which is headed by Switzerland with 14 points.

(Reuters)