Security preparations continue for upcoming Serbia match

TIRANA, Sept. 29 – Next week’s Euro 2016 qualifier with Serbia continues to attract much attention – not only of the public opinion but also of the authorities concerned with security surrounding the match.
Officials say they are preparing to make sure the match is held peacefully and calmly, and authorities have made many preparations on security matters, they say.
There have been several meetings between football and law-enforcement officials on the matter to avoid a repeat of last year’s game in Belgrade between the two countries, which had to be abandoned due to violence in the stadium.
Authorities are also checking the area around Elbasan Arena stadium.
Balconies of nearby apartments have often been used to watch the match by residents and visitors. The local media reported that it is very likely a policeman will stay in each one of them to make sure they are not used for illegal acts.
There have been calls in social media sites on to behave politely with the guest players, and show the difference from the Serb fans a year ago who not only jeered when the Albanian anthem was played but also entered the pitch to beat Albanian players after a brawl broke out.
Albania needs a win in the match to secure qualification, a feat this country has never accomplished so far.