Supporters of Crvena Zvezda and Partizan honored the late Ratko Mladic during the 180th Eternal Derby in Belgrade, days after UEFA fined Crvena Zvezda for similar conduct.
Key facts
- •The 180th Eternal Derby ended in a 2-1 victory for Crvena Zvezda over Partizan.
- •UEFA's recent €90,000 fine followed a match in the Czech Republic where fans displayed a banner reading "General, eternal glory and thanks."
- •Mladic was the former commander of the Bosnian Serb Army.
- •The 1995 Srebrenica massacre is recognized as genocide by international courts.
- •Mladic's burial was scheduled for Monday at Topcider Cemetery in Belgrade.
The 180th Eternal Derby between Crvena Zvezda and Partizan began Sunday at Rajko Mitic Stadium with a minute of silence for Ratko Mladic, a convicted Bosnian Serb war criminal. Supporters of both clubs chanted his name, and Crvena Zvezda fans displayed a large banner featuring the former commander. The tribute concluded after the stadium announcer stated, "May eternal glory be his."
By the numbers
Recent UEFA Sanctions
The tribute occurred two days after UEFA fined Crvena Zvezda €90,000 for supporters' chants and banners honoring Mladic during an August 27 Europa League match against Viktoria Plzen. The governing body also banned the club from selling tickets to supporters for its next away European match, citing discriminatory behavior and the transmission of messages unfit for sports events.
Historical Context and Convictions
Ratko Mladic died on August 27 at age 84 while serving a life sentence for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes committed during the 1992-1995 Bosnian War. His convictions included his role in the 1995 Srebrenica massacre, where over 8,000 Bosniak men and boys were killed. Crvena Zvezda supporters have previously honored Mladic, leading to UEFA sanctions in 2017 following a match against BATE Borisov.
Timeline
- 1992-1995Ratko Mladic commanded the Bosnian Serb Army during the Bosnian War.
- Aug. 27Ratko Mladic died in The Hague while serving a life sentence.
- SundaySupporters honored Mladic during the 180th Eternal Derby in Belgrade.
- MondayMladic's burial was scheduled at Topcider Cemetery.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Anadolu Agency Sport.
