Football’s political tensions flared during the Belgrade derby as Red Star Belgrade supporters displayed a controversial tifo celebrating Ratko Mladic, the former Bosnian Serb military leader convicted of war crimes. The visual tribute sparked immediate backlash, reigniting debates over nationalistic symbolism in sports and the lingering legacy of the Balkan Wars. While the club has faced criticism for not distancing itself from the display, the incident underscores how football remains a battleground for historical narratives. Supporters of both clubs and human rights groups are likely weighing in on whether such gestures belong in modern stadiums.
Red Star Belgrade fans unveiled a tifo honouring Ratko Mladic at the Belgrade derby with Partizan.
