Swiss will give a miss to any more gestures

MIDFIELDER Valon Behrami says there will be not be any more political celebrations from Switzerland.

Granit Xhaka, Xherdan Shaqiri and Stephan Lichtsteiner escaped bans following last Friday’s win over Serbia but were fined by FIFA.

Goalscorers Xhaka and Shaqiri, ethnic Albanians of Kosovar heritage, celebrated their strikes with gestures that appeared to imitate the eagle displayed on Albania’s flag.

Serbia still refuses to recognise the independence of its former province Kosovo, whose 1.8million people are mostly ethnic Albanians.

Kosovo broke away 10 years ago and Serbia opposed its ultimately successful bid to join FIFA.

“It won’t happen again because there won’t be a game like this again – it’s case closed,” said Behrami, above, who was born in Kosovo. “Of course we are happy that no one is suspended, but it is a matter that goes a lot deeper and we should spend a little more time [discussing it] but now is not the right time.”

Today’s rivals Costa Rica exited the last World Cup unbeaten in open play, with a first quarter-final under their belt and the scalps of two former champions.

This time they are eliminated after two games and facing stinging criticism back home that is taking a toll on their irked coach.

“I feel hurt and disappointed at the same time – people have said very uncomfortable things,” said Oscar Ramirez.

“In our country people are very emotional but if they call me a coward and unbearable things, if they go for my family, then I will show the tiger inside.”