Swiss hit back

XHERDAN SHAQIRI and Granit Xhaka have been backed by the Swiss government over their controversial goal celebrations in Friday’s 2-1 win over Serbia.

The Switzerland duo are facing potential two-match bans after celebrating their goals with hand gestures which appear to symbolise the eagle on Albania’s flag.

Both players are ethnic Albanians from Kosovo, which is still not recognised as a an independent state by Serbia.

FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings against them at the weekend for the politically provocative gestures.

But Swiss Sports minister Guy Parmelin said: “Anyone who experience the electric atmosphere of the game... can understand the emotions which overcome a player.”