UEFA probes Red Star Belgrade over Ratko Mladic banners

UEFA has launched disciplinary proceedings against Serbian football club Red Star Belgrade following the display of banners by its supporters during a Europa League match against Viktoria Plzen. The banners, which appeared during the second leg of the playoff tie in the Czech Republic, referenced Ratko Mladic, the former commander of the Army of Republika Srpska.

According to reports, one banner read, “General, eternal glory and gratitude,” while supporters were heard chanting Mladic’s name. Mladic is currently serving a life sentence after being convicted of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes committed during the 1992-1995 war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. His conviction and sentence were upheld on appeal in 2021.

UEFA confirmed that the proceedings target Red Star Belgrade for alleged "racist and/or discriminatory behaviour" and for "transmitting a message that is not fit for a sports event." The club also faces a separate charge related to the conduct of its team during the match, during which players received numerous yellow cards and one red card.

Adding to the controversy, Red Star Belgrade reportedly published photographs on its official social media accounts after the match that included images of the banners referencing Mladic. The case is now before UEFA's disciplinary bodies, which will determine any potential sanctions against the Serbian club. The extensive legal process surrounding Mladic's trial, which began in 2012, involved hundreds of hearing days and thousands of exhibits.