Fans of Red Star Belgrade displayed a large tifo depicting Ratko Mladic, a convicted war criminal, shortly before their derby match against rivals Partizan. The incident occurred just one day before Mladic’s funeral was scheduled to take place in the city. Mladic, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2017 for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, passed away last month at the age of 84 while serving his sentence.
Background of Ratko Mladic
Ratko Mladic, often referred to as the ‘Butcher of Bosnia’, was the commander of the Bosnian Serb army. He was found responsible for orchestrating the Srebrenica massacre in 1995, which resulted in the deaths of over 8,000 Muslim men and boys. His military actions also included the prolonged siege of Sarajevo, the Bosnian capital, and the establishment of concentration camps for non-Serb civilians and enemy soldiers during the Bosnian War.
Club’s Response and Previous Sanctions
Video footage of the tifo, as well as the observance of a minute’s silence for Mladic by both teams, was shared on Red Star Belgrade’s official social media channels. This event follows previous disciplinary actions against the club. Earlier this month, Red Star Belgrade was fined approximately £77,000 by UEFA after their supporters displayed a banner honoring Mladic during a Europa League match against Viktoria Plzen. In addition to the financial penalty, the club was also prohibited from selling tickets to their fans for their upcoming away fixture in a UEFA competition. This ban will be in effect when the Serbian champions face Swiss club Lugano in the Conference League.
Funeral and Public Homage
The display by Red Star fans occurred as Serbia appeared to defy warnings from the European Union regarding public displays of homage to Mladic. Thousands of mourners gathered for his funeral, which was held at the Church of St. Luke in Belgrade. Mladic’s body lay in state the day prior, with his military attire, including his cap and saber, placed on his coffin. The funeral service was led by the head of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Porfirije. Reports from pro-government media in Serbia indicated that Mladic would receive full military honors at his burial site.
Mladic had been in hiding for over a decade before his apprehension in 2011. His trial at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia concluded in 2017 with his conviction and life sentence. His death in prison last month followed a period of ill health, including several strokes.
Broader Context and Reactions
The display of the Mladic tifo and the subsequent funeral arrangements have drawn international attention and criticism, particularly given the gravity of the crimes for which Mladic was convicted. The Srebrenica genocide remains one of the most horrific events of the Bosnian War and a stark reminder of the atrocities committed during the conflict. For many Serbs, however, Mladic is still regarded as a national hero, a sentiment that contributes to the divided perspectives surrounding his legacy and the public tributes paid to him.
The actions of the Red Star Belgrade fans highlight the complex and often contentious relationship between football culture, national identity, and historical memory in the region. While UEFA has taken measures to penalize displays deemed offensive or inappropriate, the persistence of such tributes underscores the deeply entrenched views held by segments of the fanbase. The club’s repeated encounters with disciplinary bodies suggest an ongoing challenge in managing fan behavior and adhering to international sporting regulations.
Conclusion
The unveiling of the Ratko Mladic tifo by Red Star Belgrade fans before a major derby match, coinciding with his funeral, has reignited discussions about the glorification of war criminals and the role of sports in reflecting societal attitudes. The incident underscores the ongoing tensions and differing historical interpretations present in the Balkans, as well as the challenges faced by football authorities in addressing politically charged fan displays.
