FIFA fines Denmark over $20,000 over rowdy fans, sexist banner
Li Xiang
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The Disciplinary Committee of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has fined the Denmark Football Association (DBU) over 20,000 US dollars for improper behavior by the country’s fans during their World Cup game against Australia on June 21.
During the game at the Samara Arena, Denmark’s football fans threw items at Australia’s supporters and hanged sexist banners. FIFA sent DBU a fine ticket and a warning notice.
Xherdan Shaqiri of Switzerland. /VCG Photo

Xherdan Shaqiri of Switzerland. /VCG Photo

Meanwhile, the disciplinary committee initiated disciplinary proceedings against Switzerland’s Stephan Lichtsteiner for celebrating a goal by making hand gestures referring to the double-headed eagle on the Albanian flag during their game against Serbia on June 22.
Two players of Switzerland's squad, Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri, are also being investigated for making the hand signals in the same game. 
Xhaka and Shaqiri are both Albanian Swiss from Kosovo, which unilaterally declared independence from Serbia in 2008. These gestures were considered provocative to Serbia.
Granit Xhaka of Switzerland. /VCG Photo

Granit Xhaka of Switzerland. /VCG Photo

When asked about the gesture after the game, Shaqiri said people get emotional when playing football and that’s what had happened.
Russian broadcaster RT said the two players caused a political scandal that overshadowed their team's victory, while The Washington Post noted that the celebrations got too emotional.
According to FIFA rules, players that provoke the audience during matches can be suspended for two games and fined at least 5,000 US dollars.