Croatian Fans Prepare for Montenegro Trip with Limited Tickets

Approximately 550 Croatian fans are set to travel to Podgorica for an upcoming football match. The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) has received tickets specifically for one sector and has implemented a restricted sales approach. Instead of offering tickets to the general public, the HNS has opted to distribute them primarily through a loyalty program for frequent match attendees and to organized fan groups.

According to Jutarnji List, the most dedicated fans have already claimed around 100 tickets, with the remaining tickets allocated to the ultras. Importantly, only organized club fan groups were eligible for these tickets, leaving groups like “Mi Hrvati,” which follows the national team, without any access. This situation suggests that the Croatian section in the stadium may lack visible team colors, unless the ultras decide to wear their traditional “checkered” jerseys.

Security concerns have prompted this ticketing strategy. Both Croatian and Montenegrin police have expressed a desire to minimize the movement of Croatian fans throughout the city to prevent potential incidents. Instead, arrangements have been made for fans who purchased tickets in the Croatian sector to travel together to Montenegro on designated buses. This coordinated approach is seen as a safer alternative compared to allowing individual fans to arrive independently.

The HNS and local authorities believe that it is easier to manage a group of organized supporters, regardless of some being considered radical, than to sell tickets to casual tourists. There are ongoing concerns regarding the safety of Croatian fans in Podgorica, especially following past tensions. Still, it has been noted that Montenegrin fans who previously attended events in Croatia have expressed remorse for past conflicts and could potentially engage peacefully with Croatian supporters during the match.

With this unique arrangement, both sets of fans hope to enjoy the match in a more controlled environment, reducing the risk of incidents while fostering a spirit of camaraderie among sports enthusiasts.