Vllaznia president attacks assistant referee after Elbasani match
Attack on assistant referee Ergis Spahiu followed a 1:1 draw in which two Vllaznia goals were overturned by VAR; disciplinary action is expected.
Vllaznia's president, Alban Džaferi, physically attacked assistant referee Ergis Spahiu after the Albanian top‑flight match with Elbasani, a clip that circulated on social media shows.
Incident after a 1:1 draw that saw two Vllaznia goals overturned by VAR
The match finished 1:1. In the closing stages, two goals by Vllaznia were cancelled following VAR checks, which generated strong protests from the visitors from Shkodra.
According to footage from after the final whistle, Spahiu was walking toward the tunnel when Džaferi approached and struck him. Stadium security intervened immediately, shielding the assistant referee and preventing further escalation.
The Albanian Football Federation confirmed that Spahiu was attacked by Vllazniа’s president and strongly condemned the violence, saying that "the line has been crossed", especially when such behaviour comes from people who should protect the game.
The case has been referred to the Disciplinary Commission, which is expected to announce sanctions; Džaferi faces a serious punishment. Vllaznia coach Edi Martini is also under scrutiny for his on‑field conduct and visible hand gestures referring to VAR.
Džaferi defended his actions after the match, insisting on the club’s stance and blaming long‑standing problems with officiating. He said: "We are Vllaznia and we are not sheep. No one can play with Vllaznia, Shkodra and this city." He also described the refereeing situation as: "Refereeing has become a gangrene."
Photo: press material from the event
