Liverpool star Xherdan Shaqiri’s Albanian eagle gesture at World Cup will make him a target for hostile Belgrade return
XHERDAN SHAQIRI claims he can handle the Red Star Belgrade hate mob.
The Liverpool ace, 27, was the target of booing by banned Serbian fans who forced their way into Anfield for Wednesday’s Champions League clash.
Red Star were stopped from selling tickets to supporters for the first two away games of this term’s Champions League, after crowd trouble against RB Salzburg back in August.
Shaqiri, of Kosovan- Albanian descent, was fined £7,632 by Fifa in June after celebrating his World Cup goal against Serbia by making an Albanian eagle symbol with his hands.
But Shaqiri, vital to the Reds’ 4-0 win, has NO fear about the return in a fortnight. He said: “I had this already at the World Cup so I know I can handle this no problem.
"I just saw a few articles where one player said something. I don't really care what people are saying.
"I just go there to play a football game. It is not about politics, it is about football.
"I worry about nothing and go to play."
Speaking to Serbian newspaper Kurir last month, Red Star general director Zvezdan Terzic said Shaqiri would be protected from "unwanted situations" but speculated the midfielder might not want to play.
Terzic said: "I think that Shaqiri will be under unbelievable psychological pressure because he will know where he is coming.
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"He knows that the Red Star is a symbol of Serbia and playing at the Marakana, I don't know whether he will play.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will consider the matter in the coming days, saying: "So far I didn't think about it so maybe it makes sense that I first think before I speak."