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Cana: Albania were 'physically attacked'

Referee Martin Atkinson was forced to abandon the Euro 2016 qualifier between Balkan rivals Serbia and Albania after a pitch disturbance at Stadion Partizana amid political tensions between the two nations.

Scores were level at 0-0 when a drone flew over the pitch carrying a banner that appeared to feature an Albanian flag and slogan in the Serbian capital, where visiting fans were refused entry.

"We came to play football, but we were physically attacked by Serbian fans and therefore did not want to return to the field," Cana is quoted as telling Kosovar television broadcaster Kohavision.

"We wanted just to take the flag and everything would be under the control of the security to prevent spectators from approaching our bench.

"I defended team-mates and had injuries on my face, but there is also Taulant Xhaka."

"It was unfortunate in this difficult situation, but now it's all over and we look forward only," he said afterwards.