'Disgrace for Serbian handball': Firecracker halts league final, Partizan awarded title

The final match of the Serbian handball league between Vojvodina and Partizan was marred by a shocking incident that led to its abandonment and a controversial championship title. The game, in Novi Sad, was halted at 6-5 when a firecracker, thrown from the stands, exploded near Fran Mileta, a Croatian handball player for Vojvodina.

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Immediately bent down and clutched their heads, and the match was stopped.

Following the explosion, Vojvodina's players refused to continue the match. Consequently, the game was registered as a 20-0 forfeit in favor of Partizan. As Partizan had also won the first leg, this result secured them the league championship.

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The final of the championship was marked by scandal, and Partizan became champions at the green table because Vojvodina's players did not want to return to the field.

Serbian media outlets have reacted with widespread condemnation. Kurir described the event as a "scandal" that decided the championship "at the green table," highlighting Vojvodina's refusal to return to the court. B92.net recounted the players' immediate reaction to the blast, describing how they "immediately bent down and clutched their heads." Nova.rs labeled the situation a "disgrace for Serbian handball," noting the absence of a trophy ceremony and calling the incident a significant stain on the sport.

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The disgrace of Serbian handball and noted that there was no award ceremony for the winner and that the incident in Novi Sad is a huge stain for all of Serbian handball.