TIRANA, May 5 – Partizani was held to a 2-2 draw by Tirana on Wednesday in a tense derby marred by violence between technical staffs and fans.
Tirana’s sporting director Devi Muka was detained after physically assaulting Partizani technical staff at the end of the match when an injury time goal earned second-placed Partizani a precious point to keep their league title hopes alive with only three games to go. Nine fans were also taken to the police commissariat for the violence.
In a statement, Partizani described the attacks as vandal and called on state authorities to punish all those responsible for the violence.
Tirana blamed the referee and provocations by Partizani for the incidents.
The football association’s disciplinary committee is also expected to take tough measures against officials involved in incidents.
It all started well for Partizani who opened the score with striker Xhevahir Sukaj but Partizani’s lead lasted for only 6 minutes after Gentian Muà§a equalized with a header in the 27th minute.
Fifth-placed Tirana took the lead early in the second half with Elis Bakaj just before Partizani was left in ten men. It was Partizani and Albania U-21 winger Realdo Fili who saved the Reds from a loss with a goal in the fifth minute of extra time to keep their title league hopes alive.
Meanwhile, leaders Skenderbeu extended their lead to four points after beating Laà§i 6-1 and seem on track for their their sixth consecutive Superliga title.
Second-placed Partizani, whose title hopes are not over yet, have been playing one of their best seasons since the early 1990s when they last won the championship. With only three games to go, Partizani’s only hope is a mistake by Skenderbeu and a victory in Korà§a with their direct rival on May 14.
Once the most successful side under communism, Partizani has been trophyless since 1993.
Last year, Skenderbeu made history with their debut Europa League campaign as the first Albanian club to reach the group stage of a major European competition.
