UEFA probes Red Star Belgrade over banners honoring Ratko Mladić

UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Red Star Belgrade due to banners displayed by the club's supporters during a match against Viktoria Plzen in the Czech Republic. The banners were related to the death of Ratko Mladić, the former commander of the Army of Republika Srpska, who was convicted of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes by an international court.

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General, eternal glory and thanks

According to "The Athletic," one banner read, "General, eternal glory and thanks." Chants of Mladić's name were also reportedly heard during the game. UEFA confirmed that the proceedings were initiated due to "racist and/or discriminatory behavior" and for "conveying a message that is inappropriate for a sporting event."

The club also faces an additional charge for the team's conduct on the field, as Red Star Belgrade received seven yellow cards and one red card during the match. "The Athletic" noted that Red Star Belgrade posted photos of the fans with the controversial banners on their official social media accounts after the game.

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racist and/or discriminatory behavior

The case is now before UEFA's disciplinary bodies, which will decide on potential sanctions against the Belgrade club. Ratko Mladić, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for genocide and other crimes, died at the age of 85. He was convicted in 2017 by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia for genocide and crimes against humanity during the 1992-1995 war in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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conveying a message that is inappropriate for a sporting event