In a visit to Belgrade, Serbia, Mirror reporter Patrick Hill met with Ultras, known as Europe’s worst football hooligans. These Serbian fans are notorious for their violence and criminal activities. Red Star Belgrade’s Ultras, such as Ivan, proudly claim to have learned from Italian and English hooligans, but believe they are stronger. They are involved in serious crimes like murders, drugs, and racketeering. The fans exhibit extreme nationalism and have strong anti-LGBTQ+ views, targeting supporters from teams like Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Glasgow Rangers on trips to Belgrade. The Ultras are deeply rooted in criminality and a culture of territorial violence, with a history of involvement in organised crime.
The Rajko Mitic Stadium in Belgrade, home to Red Star Belgrade, hosts one of Europe’s most feared football hooligan gangs, the Delije. This group of Ultras has been connected to organised crime for decades, with members involved in various criminal activities, including money laundering and drug dealing. Several Ultra leaders have been victims of assassinations in recent years, highlighting the dangerous nature of these groups. The influence and power of Serbian Ultras far surpass that of hooligans in the UK, with their activities extending to political involvement, including allegedly working for the state to maintain order in exchange for freedom to pursue illegal activities.
Instances of violence and conflict involving Serbian hooligans, both at club and national team levels, have made headlines in recent years. There have been fights with fans from other countries, such as Brazil and Italy, resulting in matches being abandoned due to violence. The Ultras have a strong nationalist and right-wing ideology, which has led to conflicts with fans from other nations. The upcoming Euros in Germany bring concerns of potential clashes between Serbian and English fans, as the Ultras are known for their extreme political views and violent tendencies. The connections between Serbian and Russian clubs and hooligans raise further worries about coordinated attacks during the tournament.
The Ultras’ connections to Russia are evident in their support for CSKA Moscow and Russia as a whole. The presence of Russian flags at Red Star matches and the club’s sponsorship from Gazprom, a Russian gas company, reflect the ties between Serbian Ultras and Moscow. With a significant Serbian population living in Europe, especially in countries like Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, there are concerns of fan clashes during the Euros. The Ultras’ strong nationalist sentiments and criminal backgrounds pose a threat to the safety and security of visiting fans and teams. The history of violence and criminal activities associated with Serbian hooligans underscores the challenges that law enforcement and football authorities face in managing these fan groups during major tournaments.
Overall, the Serbian Ultras represent a complex and dangerous subculture within European football. Their extreme nationalism, criminal activities, and violent tendencies have raised alarm bells among football authorities and fans alike. The upcoming Euros in Germany provide a backdrop for potential clashes between Serbian hooligans and fans from other nations, especially England. The influence of these Ultras extends beyond football stadiums, with ties to state agencies and organised crime, creating a challenging environment for law enforcement and security officials. As the tournament approaches, the focus will be on ensuring the safety and security of all participants while dealing with the threat posed by Serbian Ultras and their criminal activities.
