550 Croatian Fans Gather in Podgorica for Upcoming Match

Approximately 550 Croatian fans are set to travel to Podgorica for an upcoming football match, as the Croatian Football Federation has secured a limited number of tickets. These tickets will not be available for general sale but will instead be distributed through a loyalty program aimed at regular attendees and various club supporter groups, according to the Croatian newspaper Jutarnji List.

The federation has allocated around 100 tickets to its most dedicated supporters, while the remaining tickets have been given to the organized ultrahooligan groups. Notably, other supporter groups, such as “Mi Hrvati,” who follow the national team, were not granted access to any tickets. This decision may lead to a significant lack of visible team colors in the stands, as there will likely be few jerseys among the Croatian supporters. Observers note that unless the ultrahooligans adopt a different strategy this time, they may choose to wear their traditional checkered patterns.

Security considerations play a crucial role in the distribution of tickets. The Croatian and Montenegrin police have coordinated efforts to minimize risks associated with potential incidents. Fans who purchased tickets for the Croatian sector will participate in a group trip to Montenegro, aiming to prevent any isolated movements throughout the city that could lead to confrontations.

Officials from the Croatian Football Federation and the Ministry of Interior of Croatia have determined that working with the organized ultrahooligans is preferable to selling tickets to individual tourists. The concern is that unregulated fan movements may pose a security threat, particularly given a historical context of tensions between supporters.

Despite these concerns, it is reported that Montenegrin fans have expressed no intention of instigating violence against Croatian supporters, especially considering previous reconciliatory gestures. There is a suggestion that both groups might engage in camaraderie while awaiting the match, rather than fostering any animosity.

As the match day approaches, all eyes will be on how the Croatian supporters will conduct themselves in Podgorica. With a carefully managed plan in place, authorities hope to ensure that the event proceeds without incident, allowing fans to enjoy the game in a safe environment.