In Belgrade Derby, Fans of Both Clubs Chant in Support of Convicted War Criminal Ratko Mladić

Red Star Belgrade’s narrow 2-1 victory over Partizan was overshadowed by a unified chant from supporters of both clubs in support of Ratko Mladić, the recently deceased general convicted of genocide and war crimes.

The Serbian derby at Rajko Mitić Stadium began with a minute of silence for Mladić. “Ratko Mladić, one of us,” Delije and Grobari supporters chanted together, referring to the fan groups of Red Star and Partizan.

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Ratko Mladić, one of us.

There were no major incidents elsewhere in the city or between the rival groups, which have often been involved in trouble around matches between Serbia’s biggest clubs. Inside the stadium, however, tension rose. Hooligans clashed on the eastern stand after the first half, and the match stopped for several minutes at the start of the second half because of a large flare display on the northern stand.

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I am not satisfied. We are not here only for the result. Physically we looked poor, we are not ready. We could not put together good passes. We are ten times better than what we showed.

Red Star supporters also used flares in a choreography marking the 63rd anniversary of the stadium, known as the Marakana. UEFA has already sanctioned the club for similar incidents, meaning the latest actions could bring further disciplinary consequences.

On the pitch, Red Star took all three points through a 2-1 win. Bamba Dieng and Marko Ivanić scored for the winners, while Jeh scored for Partizan. But Red Star coach Albert Riera was far from satisfied. “I am not satisfied. We are not here only for the result. Physically we looked poor, we are not ready. We could not put together good passes. We are ten times better than what we showed,” the Spanish coach said. He also called Partizan “a very disorganized team, with a lot of changes.” Slovenia international Timi Max Elšnik played until the 68th minute.

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Partizan is a very disorganized team, with a lot of changes.