Swiss coach unimpressed with celebrations in win over Serbia

Swiss coach Vladimir Petkovic said that politics and football should "never mix" after two players celebrated goals in a 2-1 victory over Serbia with political gestures.

Xherdan Shaqiri's last minute winner capped an impressive comeback for the Swiss in an eventful Group E encounter in Kaliningrad after Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka levelled following Aleksandar Mitrovic's opener.

Both Shaqiri and Xhaka trace their roots back to Kosovo, a former province of Serbia, a fact that stoked tensions before and during Friday's clash.

Both Shaqiri and Xhaka pointedly celebrated scoring by making a 'double eagle' gesture with their hands representing the Kosovo flag, viewed as a symbol of defiance.

Although the win puts Switzerland in pole position to make it out of a tough group containing five-times winners Brazil, Petkovic was unimpressed with his players' celebrations.

"You should never mix politics and football, it's good to be a fan and important to show respect," he told reporters after the game.

"It's clear that emotions surface. I think on and off the pitch we need to steer away from politics in football and we should focus on this as a sport that brings people together."
"I'm very happy to score the goal, that's all."
- 'Winning mentality' -
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"What is important is that we've developed this winning mentality. Even when we are down we keep our heads up and try to win every game."