Ugly Scenes After the Partizan vs. Panathinaikos Game in the EuroLeague
Thursday night in Belgrade was a night of contrasts—it began with an exciting basketball game at the Belgrade Arena but ended with disturbing scenes on the streets. Partizan achieved an impressive victory in the 14th round of the EuroLeague, but tensions after the game overshadowed the sporting triumph.
Spectacular Victory for Partizan
Under the leadership of coach Željko Obradović, Partizan celebrated a win against Panathinaikos, with the arena packed to capacity. A section of the stands was reserved for Greek fans who had traveled to support their team.
The game proceeded without major incidents. Although there were verbal exchanges and provocations between fans, the tension did not escalate further during the match. The focus remained on the game, and Partizan secured a crucial victory.
Chaos in Zemun After the Game
Unfortunately, the peaceful atmosphere did not last long. After the game, ugly scenes were recorded on the streets of Zemun, where rival Serbian fan groups clashed. Greek fans of Panathinaikos were not involved in the conflict.
Partizan supporters, known as “Grobari,” were ambushed on their way back from the game by “Taurunum Boys,” a fan group from another part of Belgrade. A brawl ensued, quickly escalating into a serious incident.
Disturbing Footage of the Clash
Video footage captured disturbing scenes of violence. Flares lit up the streets, belts were used as improvised weapons, and curses and shouts echoed from all directions. The chaos spilled onto the streets, with fans chasing each other, creating a dangerous and unsettling atmosphere in the neighborhood.
This clash overshadowed the celebration of Partizan’s victory, as the triumph over Panathinaikos was marred by these unfortunate events.
A Troubling Pattern in Fan Culture
Scenes like these serve as a reminder of the longstanding issue of fan violence in sports, particularly in the Balkans. While passionate support is crucial for the atmosphere of major games, such incidents highlight the dark side of fandom. Authorities and sports organizations will face renewed calls to address these recurring problems and ensure the safety of all fans at sporting events.
Looking Ahead
Despite the disturbing events, Partizan’s victory remains a key milestone in their EuroLeague campaign. The team and its fans hope to move past this unfortunate incident and continue their strong performances on the court.
For fans and authorities, Thursday night’s events serve as a clear reminder of the need for vigilance, unity, and a commitment to keeping sports a positive and safe experience for everyone.
Watch the video of the incident below:
December 5, 2024 Streetfight: Taurunum Boys (Zemun) attacked Grobari (Partizan) in Zemun.
Click here for more: https://t.co/zaSwwBv6DV
pic.twitter.com/pXClhRMOuD
— Hooligans.cz Official (@hooliganscz1999) December 6, 2024
