Celtic fan hospitalised after Belgrade hooligan attack ahead of Red Star clash
Supporter hospitalised in Belgrade as Celtic prepares for Wednesday's match against Red Star; club had warned fans to avoid wearing home strips and to travel only with club transport amid safety fears.
A Celtic supporter was hospitalised after being targeted by hooligans in Belgrade on Tuesday evening, ahead of the Hoops’ fixture with Red Star Belgrade at the Rajko Mitic Stadium on Wednesday.
Celtic had warned fans not to wear home strips in and around the city amid fears of violence and to arrive only via club-arranged transport to the stadium. Footage from the city center on Tuesday showed overturned tables and chairs outside a cafe, with bottles reportedly flying in all directions, before local police arrived and the attackers fled the scene.
The episode comes amid longstanding tension around European fixtures in Belgrade. Serbia were hit with a partial stadium closure of 15 percent last year after home fans were found to have engaged in racist behaviour during a victory against Andorra. The incident also comes against a backdrop of past concerns about fan conduct in the country, including England’s under-21s suffering racist abuse in Krusevac 13 years ago, an episode that prompted bans for several members of Serbia’s team and backroom staff and contributed to ongoing sanctions discussions.
UEFA has fined the Serbian federation more than £600,000 in the last five years for a variety of transgressions, including discrimination from the stands, underscoring the governing body’s ongoing effort to curb bad behaviour at European fixtures.
Prior to this week’s clash, the Serbian FA released a statement urging supporters to create a positive atmosphere and to show respect for the opponent and their national anthem, saying that the national team is Serbia’s pride and deserves supportive conduct befitting important matches. England had defeated Serbia 5-0 when they visited the Rajko Mitic Stadium earlier this month, a result cited in security discussions surrounding Wednesday’s game.
With Tuesday’s incident underlining the security challenges in Belgrade, Celtic and Red Star officials have emphasized vigilance and adherence to club guidance on travel and attire as the timely fixture approaches.