Rubin Mirlinda Daku, a footballer who has represented Albania at the international level and played for Kazan, stepped onto the Albanian fans’ podium after the Euro 2024 match against Croatia and posted provocative messages targeting Macedonians and Serbs on social media. He issued an apology for his conduct, saying the outburst came from the surge of emotion he felt in the moment.
According to Daku, the emotions of the game overwhelmed him, and he acted on impulse. “If my tone during the Croatia game upset anyone, it was because the feelings were running high. I still chase my dream with the team, and offering an apology is something I feel obligated to do as a man,” he stated.
The Albania-Croatia clash ended in a 2-2 draw. Kazim Laci gave Albania an early lead in the first half, while Croatia answered with a precise strike from Andrej Kramaric. An own goal by Klaus Gyasula briefly tipped the balance for Croatia before Albania shot back with two goals in the second half. In the final moments, Gyasula managed to level the score for Albania, restoring parity as the whistle approached.
The North Macedonian Football Federation called for a public apology from Daku and also pressed UEFA for an official investigation into the episode. The federation emphasized the importance of safeguarding the sport’s integrity and promoting respectful conduct from all players, both on and off the field.
In related news, a separate incident from the international scene involved a top French player, where a ban was imposed on wearing a protective mask while representing the national team. The decision reflected ongoing conversations about safety gear, on-pitch visibility, and the balance between protecting athletes and adhering to team branding during competitive matches.