“Not in my name!” — Taulant Xhaka erupts after Hague ruling; his reaction infuriates Serbian media: “Always with you!”

The Hague Special Court’s ruling against the former KLA leaders has drawn numerous reactions, including from the world of sport. One of them comes from Taulant Xhaka, the former Albanian national team footballer and older brother of Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka.

Xhaka published on Instagram a poster showing Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi, captioned: “Don’t Forget History!” and “NOT IN MY NAME.” The poster also carries the message “Their freedom is our honor.”

Xhaka then published another image of Kadri Veseli, writing: “Always with you.”

The post has sparked reactions and controversy, particularly in Serbian media, which called it a “scandal.” Taulant Xhaka’s reaction comes a day after the Hague ruling. The Specialist Court sentenced Hashim Thaçi to 25 years in prison, while Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi were also found guilty of war-crimes-related charges.

Taulant Xhaka, of Kosovar origin, wore the Albanian national team jersey for years, while his younger brother Granit chose to represent Switzerland. Both played together at Basel. His reaction has now become part of the public debate that erupted after the much-discussed Hague ruling.