Red Star Belgrade fans unveil tifo of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladic before derby
Quick summary
Red Star Belgrade supporters displayed a large tifo depicting Ratko Mladic, a convicted war criminal, ahead of their derby match against Partizan Belgrade.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceRed Star Belgrade fans unveil a tifo of war criminal Ratko Mladic before their derby win over Partizan Belgrade on Sunday.
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What happened
Red Star Belgrade fans unfurled a massive banner featuring the image of Ratko Mladic before the Eternal Derby against city rivals Partizan Belgrade. Mladic, a former Bosnian Serb military commander, was convicted in 2017 by the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia of genocide and crimes against humanity for his role in the Srebrenica massacre and the siege of Sarajevo. The display, which references the figure known as the 'Butcher of Bosnia,' is highly controversial and has drawn widespread condemnation, raising serious questions about fan culture, UEFA regulations, and the political dimensions of Serbian football rivalries.
Chance analysis
The unveiling of a Ratko Mladic tifo by Red Star Belgrade supporters goes well beyond standard football terrace provocation. Mladic's image carries the weight of the Srebrenica genocide and the siege of Sarajevo — symbols of extreme human suffering. By centering that imagery in the Eternal Derby, the fan group deliberately weaponises wartime history as a tribal signal, which will intensify scrutiny from UEFA, Serbian authorities, and the broader football community. The incident is likely to result in disciplinary proceedings and renewed debate about how European football's governing bodies handle politically charged displays in stadiums.
Likely to trigger UEFA disciplinary action against Red Star Belgrade and heighten tension around the Eternal Derby, with potential sanctions affecting the club's European competition participation.