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Granit Xhaka, Xherdan Shaqiri and Stephan Lichtsteiner avoid bans for 'double-eagle' celebration

Granit Xhaka celebrates his equaliser for Switzerland vs Serbia
Image: Granit Xhaka (pictured), Xherdan Shaqiri and Stephan Lichtsteiner made the double-headed eagle symbol against Serbia

Switzerland trio Granit Xhaka, Xherdan Shaqiri and Stephan Lichtsteiner have avoided bans from FIFA after being investigated for their celebrations against Serbia.

Xhaka and Shaqiri, who both have ethnic Albanian heritage and whose roots are in Kosovo, made hand signals that appeared to imitate the double-headed eagle on the Albanian flag after scoring in the 2-1 win over Serbia.

Swiss captain Lichtsteiner also appeared to make the gesture during the win in Kaliningrad.

Xhaka and Shaqiri have received a warning from FIFA and fined 10,000 Swiss francs (£7,633) for unsporting behaviour, while Lichtsteiner has received a fine of 5,000 Swiss francs (£3,816) for his actions.

FIFA outlaws all political messages or symbols in stadiums and the three players could have been banned for up to two games if they were found to have breached rules.

Stoke midfielder Shaqiri was asked about his celebration after the game, and put it down to pure emotion in the moment.

Xherdan Shaqiri celebrates Switzerland's winner against Serbia
Image: Shaqiri said his celebration was down to the 'emotion' of the match

"I think about this, I don't want to speak," said Shaqiri. "In football, you have always emotions.

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"You can see what I did, and it's just emotion, and I'm just happy to have scored the goal. I did it, and we don't have to speak about this."

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