LIVERPOOL: Politics will keep Liverpool forward Xherdan Shaqiri from making the trip to face Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League, nearly five months after the Switzerland forward made a nationalist hand gesture while celebrating a goal against Serbia at the World Cup.
Shaqiri, who is Swiss but was born in Kosovo, was left off Liverpool’s squad by manager Juergen Klopp on Monday because the team fears a harsh reception in Serbia during Tuesday’s match.
“We have heard and read the speculation and talk about what kind of reception Shaq would receive and although we have no idea what would happen, we want to go there and be focused 100 percent on football and not have to think about anything else, that’s all,” Klopp said.
Shaqiri plays for Switzerland’s national team but has roots in Kosovo, a former Serbian province that declared independence in 2008. At the World Cup in Russia, both Shaqiri and Switzerland teammate Granit Xhaka celebrated goals against Serbia by using their hands to make a nationalist eagle symbol of their ethnic Albanian heritage.
In a story posted on Liverpool’s website, Klopp didn’t mention the hand gesture.
“We are Liverpool FC, a big club, a football team but we don’t have any message further than that. We have no political message, absolutely not,” Klopp said. “We are keen to be respectful and keen to avoid any distractions that would take focus away from a 90-minute-plus contest that is important for football and only football.”
Klopp said Shaqiri accepted the decision.
“(He) understands this,” Klopp said. “Shaq is our player, we love him, and he will play for us a lot of times, but not on Tuesday.”
Liverpool leads Group C with six points from three matches while Red Star is last with one. Two weeks ago, Liverpool routed Red Star 4-0 at Anfield.
Kosovo-born Xherdan Shaqiri left out by Liverpool for game against Red Star Belgrade in Serbia
Kosovo-born Xherdan Shaqiri left out by Liverpool for game against Red Star Belgrade in Serbia
- Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says Shaqiri won’t play on Tuesday over fears the Kosovo-born forward would get a harsh reception in Belgrade
- Shaqiri and Switzerland teammate Granit Xhaka celebrated goals in a 2-1 win over Serbia at the World Cup in Russia by making a double-headed eagle gesture
Sharjah Self-Defence takes opening-day lead at Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship
- Round 1 of the competition is taking place at Nad Al Sheba Complex in Dubai
DUBAI: The Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship — Round 1 No Gi got underway in Dubai on Saturday with the Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club leading the standings at the end of the day’s action.
The competition took place at Nad Al Sheba Sports Complex with action across the U-12, U-14 and U-16 categories.
Day 1 also saw Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club finish in second place and Palms Sports — Team 777 in third.
Mohamed Hussain Al-Marzooqi, board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said the inclusion of the No Gi category reflects the federation’s commitment to providing athletes with more competitive opportunities and developing their skills across different jiu-jitsu styles. He stressed that investment in youth categories remains essential to building a generation capable of representing the UAE at regional and international competitions.
“No Gi competitions offer a different challenge in jiu-jitsu, with a focus on speed, flexibility and tactical awareness,” said Al-Marzooqi. “We include this format to help develop athletes’ skills, prepare them for international competition, and build well-rounded athletes who can adapt to different styles.”
The championship continues on Sunday with competitions in the U-18, Adults and Masters categories, with significant participation from clubs and academies from across the UAE.
