Montenegrin Police Prevent Violent Clash Between Football Fans

Montenegrin police successfully prevented a potential violent clash between rival football fans in Podgorica on July 14, 2023. Supporters of the Serbian clubs Crvena Zvezda and Partizan, known as the Delije and Grobari respectively, were reportedly planning to confront fans of the Croatian national team ahead of a highly anticipated match.

According to reports from Croatian media, including Nova TV, the police took decisive action to thwart the arrival of these groups. A reporter for Nova TV, stationed in Podgorica, indicated that the police were well-prepared and acted swiftly to avert what could have been a significant incident. “They prevented the Grobari and Delije from creating a violent situation,” the reporter stated. “This was stopped in time.”

Approximately 600 fans of the Croatian national team arrived in Podgorica shortly after 15:00 local time. These supporters are primarily gathering near the stadium, where they are expected to enter the southern stand by 19:00. The match between Croatia and its opponents has drawn considerable attention, heightening tensions among rival fan groups.

The proactive measures taken by the Montenegrin authorities highlight the ongoing challenges of managing football-related violence in the region. The presence of police forces has been intensified in anticipation of potential disturbances, aiming to ensure the safety of all attendees.

As the football match approaches, the situation remains closely monitored by local authorities. The successful intervention by the police serves as a reminder of the importance of security in maintaining peace during sporting events, particularly in areas with a history of fan-related violence.