Fifa fine Swiss trio over ‘eagle’ hand gesture

scored Switzerland’s goals in the victory, were charged after they celebrated by putting their hands together to form a double-headed eagle similar to the one on the Albanian flag.

This nationalist symbol risked inflaming tensions in the Balkans among Serbians – who do not recognise Kosovo’s independence – and ethnic Albanians. Lichtsteiner was also charged having joined in with the celebration.

Winger Shaqiri was born in Kosovo and midfielder Xhaka was born to Albanian parents originally from Serbia. Xhaka’s father was a political prisoner following the 1968 student demonstrations in Yugoslavia against the communist government in Belgrade. Xhaka’s brother Taulant plays for Albania’s national side.

Serbian FA president Slavisa Kokeza and team coach Mladen Krstajic have each been fined 5,000 Swiss francs and warned over “unsporting behaviour due to statements made in the aftermath”. Kokeza told BBC Sport that Serbia were victims of a “brutal robbery” and claimed Fifa had directed officials to favour Switzerland.

The Serbian FA has been fined 54,000 Swiss francs (£41,215) over “the display of discriminatory banners and messages by Serbian supporters” and throwing objects in the game.