Xherdan Shaqiri left out of Liverpool squad for game in Belgrade

During the World Cup in Russia earlier this year Shaqiri scored in Switzerland's 2-1 win over Serbia in Kaliningrad and then crossed his hands to make a double eagle gesture, widely interpreted as paying homage to Albania's flag.

World governing body FIFA subseqently fined Shaqiri $10,133 for "unsporting behavior contrary to the principles of fair-play" for his celebration.

"It's a situation where we will go to the fantastic city of Belgrade as a football team to play football," Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp told the club's website.

"We have heard and read the speculation and talk about what kind of reception Shaq would receive and although we have no idea what would happen, we want to go there and be focused 100% on football and not have to think about anything else, that's all.

"We are Liverpool FC, a big club, a football team but we don't have any message further than that. We have no political message, absolutely not. We want the focus to be on a great game of football, free from anything else.

"We are keen to be respectful and keen to avoid any distractions that would take focus away from a 90-minute-plus contest that is important for football and only football.

"So for that reason, Shaq is not involved and he accepts and understands this. Shaq is our player, we love him, and he will play for us a lot of times, but not on Tuesday.

More to follow...

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