Liverpool striker and Switzerland international Xherdan Shaqiri, whom probably is Serbia's most hated footballer was deliberately excluded from Liverpool squad to face Serbian side Red Star Belgrade (FK Crvena Zvezda) in tonight's UCL clash well, because of that.
Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp explained that the decision was taken to save the club a possible distraction and safety of the player as a result of political tension in the region.
Shaqiri, now 26, was born in the former Yugoslavian city of Gjilan to Kosovan-Albanian parents. A province that fought for independence against Serbian-dominated Yugoslav forces in the late 1990s. Although UEFA recognises Kosovo as a sovereign state, Serbia refuses to do so.
Shaqiri made headlines during the FIFA world cup in Russia when he scored a last minute goal to give Switzerland the victory in the game against Serbia. Not the goal but his celebration angered Serbian supporters where he crossed his hands to imitate the eagle on the Albania flag. Leaving the player behind was the best decision you would agree.
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