Ministers back Xhaka, Shaqiri

Two Swiss government ministers have backed national team players Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri after their controversial goal celebrations in Friday’s 2-1 World Cup win over Serbia.

Global soccer body Fifa has opened disciplinary proceedings after the two players, who are ethnic Albanians and of Kosovar heritage, celebrated with a gesture which appeared to imitate the eagle displayed on Albania’s flag.

“Anyone who experience the electric atmosphere of the game can appreciate more the performance of our national team and can understand the emotions which overcome a player,” Defence, Civil Protection and Sports minister Guy Parmelin said.

Swiss Foreign minister Ignazio Cassis was also sympathetic. “I have no doubt that you can feel patriotic emotions for the land which has taken you in without forgetting your roots,” he said.

Fifa’s disciplinary regulations state that players found guilty of provoking the public face a two-match suspension and Swiss Football Federation president Peter Gillieron said he was hopeful the pair would be absolved.