Egnatia in Elbasan welcomed Banja Luka’s Borac after the first match where Borac players won with a score of 1:0. From the very start, insulting slogans and chants towards the Serbs, with references to the KLA (UÇK) could be seen and heard.

The coaching staff of Borac called on the players to withdraw from the field in the 13th minute due to shameful chanting and insulting of Serbs. After the Albanian fans calmed down, the game continued, and the winner of this duel will play against PAOK in the second round.

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Serbian and Albanian communities, as well as the wider issues of nationalism and prejudice in football. Sports should be a means of bringing people together and promoting unity, but incidents like this show that there is still a long way to go in addressing deep-rooted prejudices and stereotypes.

Football has the power to unite people from different backgrounds and cultures, but it can also be a source of division and conflict. It is important for players, fans, and officials to challenge discrimination and intolerance in all its forms, both on and off the pitch.

Governments, sports organizations, and civil society have a responsibility to promote diversity and inclusion in sports and to combat racism and discrimination. Education and awareness-raising programs can help to challenge stereotypes and promote understanding and respect between different communities.

In Croatia, as in many other countries, there have been incidents of racism and discrimination in football. It is important for clubs, fans, and authorities to work together to create a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.

Football can be a powerful tool for social change, but it requires a collective effort to ensure that the sport is free from discrimination and prejudice. By promoting diversity, inclusion, and respect, football can help to bridge divides and build stronger, more inclusive communities.

In conclusion, the incident in Elbasan highlights the need for ongoing efforts to combat discrimination, racism, and prejudice in football and society as a whole. It is important for all stakeholders to work together to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants, regardless of their background or identity. Only by challenging discrimination and promoting respect and understanding can we truly harness the power of football to bring people together and create positive social change.