“The fans' association received approval per share”

UEFA does not plan to punish the Belgrade Red Star for installing a T-55 tank in front of the Raiko Mitić stadium ahead of the second leg of the Champions League qualifying playoffs. According to representatives of the Union, the fan association of the team received permission for this action. In addition, UEFA emphasized that it was not political in nature.

“The Crvena Zvezda Fan Association has received approval from the appropriate authorities for the installation of the tank with the team’s symbols. They achieved this for several years. The promotion is in no way connected with the Champions League playoff match, ”the RSE portal quotes representatives of the organization.

The Soviet T-55 tank appeared in front of the stadium a day before the start of the Crvena Zvezda - Young Boys match. It was installed directly at the entrance to the northern rostrum, which is traditionally occupied by the most active representatives of the fan movement of the hosts, and is decorated with red and white symbols of the current champion of Serbia. According to the fans themselves, the tank should symbolize the spirit of the team, as well as support the players, who at that time had a difficult task: to break into the group stage of the main European Cup after a draw in Bern - 2: 2.

Players of the Red Star have really accomplished their task. The meeting in Belgrade ended with the score - 1: 1, which brought the wards of Vladan Miloevich to the next stage of the Champions League. Interestingly, the military theme was used after the final whistle. Inspired by the success, Red Star fans drove through the city streets in an armored personnel carrier, launching pyrotechnics and chanting fan chants. Later, the players themselves joined them.

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Publication by Blicsport (@blicsport) Aug 27, 2019 at 11:46 am PDT

The appearance of military equipment on the streets of the capital caused concern among local residents. However, law enforcement officials concluded that the celebration did not constitute a threat to public order.

“Too much noise has been made.”

The Ministry of Defense of Serbia has confirmed that the T-55 is not state property. In addition, his representatives emphasized that he was essentially a fake, since all the combat elements responsible for firing, as well as the engine and other important details were dismantled.

Despite this, the opinions of ordinary citizens regarding the action of the fan association were also divided. According to a survey conducted by one of the Serbian publications, 53.2% of the respondents opposed the installation of the tank near the sports arena, while 38.6% supported the fans of Crvena Zvezda. At the same time, in three days the car already managed to turn into a real attraction of Belgrade, next to which not only football fans, but also local residents are actively taking pictures.

Public authorities opposed the use of military symbols in peacetime appealed to the authorities of the capital. At the same time, Deputy Mayor Goran Vesic noted that he sees no reason to dismantle the tank.

“A cannon is depicted on the arms of the London Arsenal, and a tank is also installed near the stadium of Moscow CSKA, the former army club. And it does not offend anyone. I don’t see this as a problem and I don’t think that Crvena Zvezda can be punished by UEFA, ”Vesic said.

A similar point of view was expressed by the general director of Red Stars Zvezdan Terzic. In his opinion, both the installation of the tank and the celebration of the victory over the Young Boys using the BMP were not aggressive.

“Too much noise was made, especially from those who reacted negatively to this. Personally, I do not see the difference between a gun and a tank. Fans installed it, it belongs to them, this does not bother us. This is a symbol of the spirit of the struggle and does not violate the principles of fair play, ”Tanjug news agency quoted the functionary as saying.