Albania fans arrested with weapons before Serbia game

TIRANA, Albania --

Police in Albania say they have arrested a man who claimed to have flown a drone carrying a nationalist banner over a stadium in Serbia last year during a European qualifier, in an incident that prompted fan violence and a diplomatic spat between the two countries.

Authorities say 33-year-old Ismail Morinaj was arrested with three other men as part of a major security operation on the eve of the return match in Elbasan, Albania.

Two handguns, ammunition, and 36 match tickets were seized.

Police have taken tough security measures for Thursday's game, deploying 1,500 officers, and enforcing a huge traffic cordon around the stadium.

Fans will have to show identification and be searched before entering Elbasan Arena.

Albania is currently third in Group I with 11 points from six matches.