Two Latvian supporters were injured after being attacked by home fans outside the stadium ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier between Albania and Latvia, the Latvian Football Federation (LFF) has confirmed.
The incident occurred around 30 minutes before kick-off in Tirana. LFF’s head of security and fair play, Konstantīns Rubīns, told Sportacentrs.com that both fans received medical attention and that local authorities have already identified the individuals responsible.
“I can confirm that there was an incident outside the stadium before the Albania–Latvia match, roughly half an hour before the game,” said Rubīns. “Two Latvian supporters were injured, at least according to the information we currently have. I cannot provide more details about their health condition.”
Rubīns stressed that the attack was outside the norms usually associated with football fan culture, noting that the Latvian group targeted included women.
Following the incident, the Albanian Football Association and local authorities became immediately involved. Additional security measures were introduced for how Latvian fans left the stadium after the match.
“We provided all the support we could, including during the match itself,” Rubīns added. “Security procedures were adjusted straight away and medical assistance was given to those affected.”
Concerns Over Police Response
Posts on social media from travelling fans criticised the local police for not reacting quickly enough. However, Rubīns said the LFF was satisfied with the response of the Tirana authorities:
“The attackers have already been identified, though I cannot say whether they have been detained or whether further action has been taken,” he explained. “We are satisfied with the authorities’ response, but of course we are very unhappy that such an incident occurred at all. This is completely outside the norms usually accepted among football fans. The motives are entirely unclear to us – particularly given that the group included women, including an elderly woman.”
Rubīns stressed there had been no signs of hostility between Latvian and Albanian supporters prior to the game.
Separate Incident With Ukraine Flag
Rubīns also confirmed a separate incident during the match itself, when a Latvian fan was prevented from displaying a Ukraine flag in the stands.
“That was a different matter altogether, long after the earlier attack,” he said. “Every stadium has its own rules. In Latvia, we see the Ukraine flag in the stands as normal, but in Albania only the flags of the two competing teams are permitted.”
Source: https://sportacentrs.com/futbols/latvijas_izlase/10092025-albanija_pirms_speles_uzbrukts_latvijas_l
