138 hooligans detained, 17 arrested

I hope the guy who burnt the Albanian flag has been arrested too. What a stupid thing to do!

Where is Jason and winston NOW???

Why was the Albanian flag burned?
What did Albania have to do with this Euro 2012 qualifying match?

WHY....Burning Albanian Flag.
WHY.... Kosovo Is Serbian.

What has a soccer game to do with politics, WHY ....

What morons! I felt so sorry for the Serbian fans there (some with kids) who just sat looking horrified.

I know exactly how they feel. Before England clamped down (pretty successfully) on football hooliganism, it was a shameful sight for the rest of us, and all football supporters abroad were tarred with the same brush.

I hope that it won't become a regular occurence as it did with the English.

I hope that Serbia clamps down equally hard on these idiots. There are always a few ringleaders orchestrating the whole thing.

A flag is nothing compared to the churches being torched and Serbs and Roma being attacked in Kosovo under Albanian rule.

The guy who burned the Albanian flag, will be hosted with great hospitality by the albanian prisoners in Genova. They'll make a BIG party for him. I hope he and his friends will enjoy the PARTY.

Nobody should be rejoicing that a bunch of idiots have damaged Serbia's footballing chances.

So many people on this thread are trying to paint these thugs as representative of the Serbian people. They may be representative of part of the community which is disenfranchised, frustrated and aggressive, and are becoming a major headache for Serbia, but you can't paint the entire society as being at all like that.

As an Englishperson there have been times during travelling when I have pretended to be Scottish because the local feeling towards the English has been so terrible after hooligans had wrought havoc (and even death) at some international football game.

We are talking about problems with a hooligan element. Just like In Italy, where it is even worse.

You can look at the ashamed and shocked faces of the peaceful supporters in the crowd, and it obvious that they are far more representative of average people.

As for burning the Albanian flag, I am not for one minute condoning it, but what do people expect? You can't just (attempt to) steal 15% of a nation's territory and not have anyone feeling a bit 'miffed'.

"Ask yourself why an 'independence' seeking group would choose to fly the flag of another nation."

For once I have to agree with you. I have never understood Republika Srpska's obsession with the Serbian flag.

This bunch of thugs is the very same collection of those which was rampaging through the Balkans during the wars. Burning Albanian flags, yelling "Kosovo is Serbia" and trying to murder people (one Italian policeman is seriously injured) is but a taste of what we had to endure during the 90s. ever since the murder of the Frenchman in Belgrade nothing has changed in the Serbian hooligan scene, despite the promises from the Serbian government to stop that Neandertalism.

Serbias government is either not able or not willing or both to fight ultra nationalism. These hooligans are just the spearhead, an instument for various powers, among them the serbian orthodox church, to ensure their intrasigent impact into serb policies. They are always ready to attack gay parades, set embassies on fire, protect war criminals, but also assassinate Primeministers, if necessary. From time to time they need to demonstrate their power. The recent events are absolutely not a coincidence.

I'd understand them if they burnt Kosovo's flag. But I do not understand why they burned the Albanian flag. Is Albania Serbia, too?

gjilani: "I'd understand them if they burnt Kosovo's flag. But I do not understand why they burned the Albanian flag. Is Albania Serbia, too"

How can you not know that it's the flag that is waved in Kosovo much to the sadness of the poor guy who won the design competition for a new flag. We never get to see that one at all.

Ask yourself why an 'independence' seeking group would choose to fly the flag of another nation.

"If they were some of the violent protestors"

There weren't "some" violent protesters, there were 6000.

Quit making excuses for the inexcusable.

Where is Jason and winston NOW???
(Kosova-USA, 13 October 2010 12:15)

Sorry, mate but I was doing something you may be unfamiliar with. It's called WORK.

Now that I am free for a spell, I can read up on these barbaric events. Awful. Truly.

Anything else, my friend?

It's high time for the government, Serbian FA and the clubs to finally rid Serbia of this hooligan menace. This has been going on for years and very little seems to have been done. Hopefully last night will be catalyst for action finally to be taken and for the real fans to reclaim the terraces from these scumbags.

I have been to football matches in Serbia following Partizan and the amount of blatant hooliganism is just mind blowing. I remember one day standing on the terrace during a game against Sartid and there were lads beside me going on about how they were going to fight the local fans just for the sake of it. I was convinced there and then that quite a few of the hardcore were not there for the football but have a crack at the locals. Jesus wept. Sure enough the inevitable happened with the riot police and teargas. It was worse at the Belgrade derby a few weeks later and I really did feel for my safety. I have been in a few hairy situations in my day but that was up there with the worst.

This hooliganism has to end. England in the 1980s was bad with all the various 'firms' and fooball 'factories' but the British authorities nipped it in the bud, likewise the Irish authorities did it as well around the same time and jailed the leaders of the hoolie firms. It seems like a load of idiots have nothing better to do than watch reruns of Green Street and re-enact it on the terrace.

Well Mr Dacic, its time to finally take action. No more pussy footing around. Its time to come down on these scumbags like a tonne of bricks and lock them away.

Albanians burned dozens of Serbian monasteries in KiM, I wouldn't get too riled up over a flag.

Yet, Europe rewards them with Visas and Euros. Its Surreal!!!!!

As for the burning of the Albanian flag by these football hooligans, that is just a form of protest. The American flag is burned by Islamists almost on a daily balance. I wouldn't dwell on it too much.
(winston, 13 October 2010)
What exactly were they protesting against the Republic of Albania and how is a match between Serbia and Italy the appropriate venue for such protest?

"As for the burning of the Albanian flag by these football hooligans, that is just a form of protest. The American flag is burned by Islamists almost on a daily balance. I wouldn't dwell on it too much."
(winston, 13 October 2010 18:18)

For me, both is a form of idiotism and stupid fanatism, which makes no sense at all.

Whose money is supporting those hooligans? Whose interest is to destroy the reputation of Serbia in such an important moment for our EU integration?
How come the hooligans could cross the border with the EU? The police should have named and shamed all the registered football hooligans and reported them to their Italian coleagues BEFORE such a risky match!
What about our law? Convicted hooligans shouldn't be given new biometric passports to represent us abroad! Shame!

I'd understand them if they burnt Kosovo's flag. But I do not understand why they burned the Albanian flag. Is Albania Serbia, too?
(gjilani, 13 October 2010 13:37)

Why was a Macedonian flag burnt, by k-albanians, at a soccer game between two Kosovo teams? Is Macedonia Albanian too?

You can prettend that nothing is going one.

Entire families protesting against gay parade; burned the city during the parade a day after; burining flag of your neighbour

All this in the last 5 days.

"I hope that Serbia clamps down equally hard on these idiots. There are always a few ringleaders orchestrating the whole thing.
(kate, 13 October 2010 10:27)"

Sadly, it would appear there is more to this than a bunch of wayward youths. I suspect this and the Gay Pride protest violence is highly organized and financed. The true backers should be strung up at the edge of Kalemegdan for all in the city to see before this turns into a Mexican standoff between the criminals and the military/police.

I'd understand them if they burnt Kosovo's flag. But I do not understand why they burned the Albanian flag. Is Albania Serbia, too?
(gjilani, 13 October 2010 13:37)

If Kosovo is "independent" then why do they wave and hang Albanian flags? Use your brain.

serbia have some crazy hooligans, they go to watch soccer in italy, they burn albanian flag. what a shame. hooligans they are or they just need job so they can stay busy at home

I'm suprised to see the usual suspects (aka professional paid bloggers) haven't hit this site yet. Must be waiting for their talking points to be delivered. I wonder what the excuse is going to be this time? Will they blame it on the Italian officials who didn't take enough security precautions? Maybe they will blame the West for using ESPN to make this game so emotional and volatile (apparently Serbs cant handle these type of situations as was evident at the Gay Pride Parade)? They may try to deflect the criticism by pointing to other hooligans and crying about how they are singled out? Either way I can't wait to here the spin and continue to watch this once proud nation continue to embarrass themselves...

- As for burning the Albanian flag, I am not for one minute condoning it, but what do people expect?
(kate, 13 October 2010 14:56)

People expect these fans to act like normal people and not turn everything into a political rally for right wing extremists. You don't condone it but still make an excuse for their actions in your next sentence...

“Italian police did not turn to us for any assistance before the match. The Football Association of Serbia did not request from Serbian police to help in any way, and accompany our national team and its fans on their trip to Genoa," said Dačić."


-- So now its all the fault of those pesky Italians and the Serbs are not at fault here? It seems to me that Dacic is condoning the actions of these Serbs by badmouthing the Italians instead of condemning the actions of his own people.

Kate and others are here on a personal agenda as always. You're not helping the situation much with your half-a..ed attempt to condemnation. What the world saw is a bunch of Serbs burning the flag of the state of Albania; not Kosova. I'm sure that such an image is not exactly conducive of an image of a progressive Serbia; yet you make excuses for that behavior. I hope by now you see how you further help our cause with comments like that, which instead of being unequivocal in their condemnation, you see them as defensible because of some lame excuse.

Dačić said that the intervention of Italian police could have been more effective and that they ought to have prevented the spectators from bringing into the pitch the devices which they are not allowed to carry with them, and underlined that Belgrade would never allow something like that to happen.

So typical of the Serbs.Blaming the others. So all the apologies of Jeremic were not sincere at all then.So how come belgrade allows a french fan being brutalized to death in the main streets of Belgrade?

How were these people even able to bring flares and fireworks into the stadium. That is some poor security if you ask me.

"Rise and rise again, until lambs become lions!!!!!"

Think about it!

A suggestion: outlaw the wearing of balaclavas anywhere except on a ski slope.
(Amer, 13 October 2010 17:35)

An excellent idea and one that has been put into practice in many states in the US. I agree it should be implemented here in Europe, Amer.

These thugs do not represent Serbia, or its good citizens. These creeps are obviously organized, and funded, obviously they didn't happen to just meet in Genoa by coincidence, so they went to this match with a purpose. They even attacked the Serbian players' team bus. In any case, I hope they all received some good whacks across their empty heads, and hopefully they will think twice next time they want to engage in civil disobedience. The ring leaders, and the ones that fund them, must be found and severely punished.

How about the flag of the international law that Serbia was waving as a true champion of the democracy and progress. What happened last night is not exactly in that direction.

Good God. Most of the world outside of the Balkans, doesn't even know where Serbia is.

It is true Serbia has become an isolated cocoon in Eastern Europe--just look at a map. Everyone else is moving on.

But if the country wants to be known--keep getting on the international news for violence.

Mladic, Gay Pride parades, dead French kids, burning embassies, genocide, whatever.

Other countries seem to stay away from this or at least have strong points.

All countries have their embarrassments. But Serbia really has to prove themselves, and cannot.

Burning Albanian flags. Stopping matches. Most everyone has had it. Italy was truly supposed to be your friends when everyone else--except the Chinese and Russians--are enemies.

"@ Patrik - But isn't hooliganism nearly always highly organised? In Britain it included city boys and the national front.

But it's still not representative of the majority of people.
(kate, 13 October 2010 15:36)?

I think in this case higher powers are behind this that want to derail any forward achievements by Serbia. These thugs weren't interested in supporting the Serbian team, they attacked them. The whole point was to prevent the match from taking place and bringing yet more bad media attention to Serbia. There are a lot of criminals who will lose a tremendous amount of income if Serbia succeeds internationally.

@ Patrik - But isn't hooliganism nearly always highly organised? In Britain it included city boys and the national front.

But it's still not representative of the majority of people.

A suggestion: outlaw the wearing of balaclavas anywhere except on a ski slope.

As for the burning of the Albanian flag by these football hooligans, that is just a form of protest. The American flag is burned by Islamists almost on a daily balance. I wouldn't dwell on it too much.

Good comment, Niall, I agree.

ben: "Entire families protesting against gay parade."

But I thought my hard-earned tax dosh was used to bomb people to 'deliver democracy'? Isn't that what they were doing? Exercising their democratic rights?

If they were some of the violent protestors then that is something else. But all the protestors, whether you agree with them or not (and glad to hear that you were in favour of the parade), had the right to protest peacefully.

Winston,R U trying to say that you are not any better than talibans.

Danilo, you misunderstood. I was talking about the specific family in question.

I am not excusing the violence at all, but there must have been some people there who wished to protest and were not violent.

Please don't have these knee jerk reactions without at least trying to understand what is being said.

Winston - good comment. I totally agree.

these hooligan soccer groups are criminal enterprises

What a shame, serbian thugs/criminals on the news again.

Whilst i accept that actions of few do not reflect the true picture of the whole nation, however EU fears are just being reinforced that there are serious problems amongst the serbian society.

Recent public events are not being helpful at all on the EU path that most dissent and law abiding serbian citizens aspire to.

We all should condemn acts like this, especially allowing politics to get in to entertainment (thus this is not the first time, Jokovic also has used his sports'man' status to get involved, although he has not burned albanian flag)

Iam not sure why you would send someone to jail b/c they have brned an albanian flag. Who has sent the albanians to jail when they burned Our Churches and destoyed grave yards!!!??? Dont be foolish and post stupid comments like that.
What happend to Novi Pazar when the young people are cheering "this is turkey' on Seriban Land??? Did anyone put them in jail!?

Al this political discussions about what happened yesterday evening in Genova are meaningless..the important thing is that we will probably win by 3-0 and there is a good chance we will play the return game at closed doors..Prandelli, Abete & C. will reward Mr.Bogdanov aka Cai with a big gift !

Belgrade knew about these well known hooligans and still let them go to another country?. I think that Serbia will get a very good answer from UEFA. Apparently the guy who burned Albanian flag wanted to make the news headline. LOL.

Dacic is right. The total lack of Italian security is partly to blame for this. The players deserve more protection. I also don't know why such a big deal is made about the apology, Italians were not the target of these attacks.

CCCC - stop attacking fellow Serbs.

It's a shame that the act of so few ruin the good will of so many.

That is human nature for you, always focussing on the negative things and never recognising the positive things. It's a shame because Serbia has come a long way.

Someone who is not aware of the facts is trying to accuse the Italian security. It is indeed very amusing to hear of accusations coming from Serbia (and other countries) after the Belgrade parade event. People talking about lack of security are clearly misinformed. It is sufficient to see any footage of the clashes to verify what happened. At the end we see that the suspected leader of the hooligans ia amongst the detained in Italy.

Is a shame!
Holligans make the game of Albanians!
I have pitty of them....
I'm with your country ...but when these pseudo-serbians (Holligans), is a shame to serbia, my second country!

As for burning the Albanian flag, I am not for one minute condoning it, but what do people expect? You can't just (attempt to) steal 15% of a nation's territory and not have anyone feeling a bit 'miffed'.
kate

Kate, but you are condoning it but excusing their behavior.

Massimo, what are you talking about? Serbian police showed up in force to defend the parade, sustaining many injuries in the process. They did their job. The Italian police didn't even enter the visitors section, nor prevent the bringing in of dangerous weapons. How is that proper security?
Brian

What would you be saying today if the Italian police restored order by force?
Would you be referring to it as the evil conspiracy of the West?

Iam not sure why you would send someone to jail b/c they have brned an albanian flag. Who has sent the albanians to jail when they burned Our Churches and destoyed grave yards!!!???
(Gravedigger, 14 October)

Where exactly did you read that anyone is going to jail for burning the Albanian flag? The burning of the Albanian flag took literraly 5 seconds out of an ugly episode that lasted till midnight. The Serbs wreaked havoc through the streets of Genova, threatened with violence their goalie, stopped a UEFA sanctioned game, battked the Italian police and you are focusing on the bruning of the Albanian flag. It goes to show how out of touch some of you are.

It was a shame act of brainless.
It was a sad story too. Sad about all europian-looking people. Sorry guys :(

Massimo, what are you talking about? Serbian police showed up in force to defend the parade, sustaining many injuries in the process. They did their job. The Italian police didn't even enter the visitors section, nor prevent the bringing in of dangerous weapons. How is that proper security?

"As for the burning of the Albanian flag by these football hooligans, that is just a form of protest. The American flag is burned by Islamists almost on a daily balance. I wouldn't dwell on it too much."
(winston, 13 October 2010 18:18) "

The American flag is also burned here in the US (hardly on a daily basis, though). It's a form of Constitutionally-protected free speech, much to the annoyance of our patriJots.

One reason for preferring the Albanian flag to the Kosovo blue-and-gold for burning may have been that it, like the American flag, is instantly recognizable. Who else has a flag like the red-with-black-double-headed eagle? By the time you get around to burning a flag the last thing you want is people asking "Who are they upset with? The Italians or the Hungarians? The Danes or the Icelanders? The Slovaks or the Slovenians?" Everybody always knows when someone is annoyed with the Americans, no matter how much of the material has been consumed in the pictures.

And so, saying that the fault is of italian police all serbian problems are solved? This is something very dissapointing and I shame for you all. Solve internal problems, then came to Holland asking for UE admission. As now it's impossible for Serbia to become Europe. I'm sorry

Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dačić stated on Wednesday that the Italy-Serbia football match in Genoa on Tuesday evening was not prepared properly, and that the event was called off due to violent behavior of a small group of Serbian fans.

First off al there wasn't a small group it was more than that!
what shameful and immature! Some Serbian supporters are not civilized enough to be there. BAN THEM!

gjilani: "I'd understand them if they burnt Kosovo's flag. But I do not understand why they burned the Albanian flag. Is Albania Serbia, too"

How can you not know that it's the flag that is waved in Kosovo much to the sadness of the poor guy who won the design competition for a new flag. We never get to see that one at all.

Ask yourself why an 'independence' seeking group would choose to fly the flag of another nation.

A flag is nothing compared to the churches being torched and Serbs and Roma being attacked in Kosovo under Albanian rule.

Where is Jason and winston NOW???

Nobody should be rejoicing that a bunch of idiots have damaged Serbia's footballing chances.

So many people on this thread are trying to paint these thugs as representative of the Serbian people. They may be representative of part of the community which is disenfranchised, frustrated and aggressive, and are becoming a major headache for Serbia, but you can't paint the entire society as being at all like that.

As an Englishperson there have been times during travelling when I have pretended to be Scottish because the local feeling towards the English has been so terrible after hooligans had wrought havoc (and even death) at some international football game.

We are talking about problems with a hooligan element. Just like In Italy, where it is even worse.

You can look at the ashamed and shocked faces of the peaceful supporters in the crowd, and it obvious that they are far more representative of average people.

As for burning the Albanian flag, I am not for one minute condoning it, but what do people expect? You can't just (attempt to) steal 15% of a nation's territory and not have anyone feeling a bit 'miffed'.

This bunch of thugs is the very same collection of those which was rampaging through the Balkans during the wars. Burning Albanian flags, yelling "Kosovo is Serbia" and trying to murder people (one Italian policeman is seriously injured) is but a taste of what we had to endure during the 90s. ever since the murder of the Frenchman in Belgrade nothing has changed in the Serbian hooligan scene, despite the promises from the Serbian government to stop that Neandertalism.

Where is Jason and winston NOW???
(Kosova-USA, 13 October 2010 12:15)

Sorry, mate but I was doing something you may be unfamiliar with. It's called WORK.

Now that I am free for a spell, I can read up on these barbaric events. Awful. Truly.

Anything else, my friend?

Albanians burned dozens of Serbian monasteries in KiM, I wouldn't get too riled up over a flag.

How about the flag of the international law that Serbia was waving as a true champion of the democracy and progress. What happened last night is not exactly in that direction.

Yet, Europe rewards them with Visas and Euros. Its Surreal!!!!!

I hope the guy who burnt the Albanian flag has been arrested too. What a stupid thing to do!

What morons! I felt so sorry for the Serbian fans there (some with kids) who just sat looking horrified.

I know exactly how they feel. Before England clamped down (pretty successfully) on football hooliganism, it was a shameful sight for the rest of us, and all football supporters abroad were tarred with the same brush.

I hope that it won't become a regular occurence as it did with the English.

I hope that Serbia clamps down equally hard on these idiots. There are always a few ringleaders orchestrating the whole thing.

Serbias government is either not able or not willing or both to fight ultra nationalism. These hooligans are just the spearhead, an instument for various powers, among them the serbian orthodox church, to ensure their intrasigent impact into serb policies. They are always ready to attack gay parades, set embassies on fire, protect war criminals, but also assassinate Primeministers, if necessary. From time to time they need to demonstrate their power. The recent events are absolutely not a coincidence.

Why was the Albanian flag burned?
What did Albania have to do with this Euro 2012 qualifying match?

As for the burning of the Albanian flag by these football hooligans, that is just a form of protest. The American flag is burned by Islamists almost on a daily balance. I wouldn't dwell on it too much.

WHY....Burning Albanian Flag.
WHY.... Kosovo Is Serbian.

What has a soccer game to do with politics, WHY ....

It's high time for the government, Serbian FA and the clubs to finally rid Serbia of this hooligan menace. This has been going on for years and very little seems to have been done. Hopefully last night will be catalyst for action finally to be taken and for the real fans to reclaim the terraces from these scumbags.

I have been to football matches in Serbia following Partizan and the amount of blatant hooliganism is just mind blowing. I remember one day standing on the terrace during a game against Sartid and there were lads beside me going on about how they were going to fight the local fans just for the sake of it. I was convinced there and then that quite a few of the hardcore were not there for the football but have a crack at the locals. Jesus wept. Sure enough the inevitable happened with the riot police and teargas. It was worse at the Belgrade derby a few weeks later and I really did feel for my safety. I have been in a few hairy situations in my day but that was up there with the worst.

This hooliganism has to end. England in the 1980s was bad with all the various 'firms' and fooball 'factories' but the British authorities nipped it in the bud, likewise the Irish authorities did it as well around the same time and jailed the leaders of the hoolie firms. It seems like a load of idiots have nothing better to do than watch reruns of Green Street and re-enact it on the terrace.

Well Mr Dacic, its time to finally take action. No more pussy footing around. Its time to come down on these scumbags like a tonne of bricks and lock them away.

I'd understand them if they burnt Kosovo's flag. But I do not understand why they burned the Albanian flag. Is Albania Serbia, too?
(gjilani, 13 October 2010 13:37)

If Kosovo is "independent" then why do they wave and hang Albanian flags? Use your brain.

The guy who burned the Albanian flag, will be hosted with great hospitality by the albanian prisoners in Genova. They'll make a BIG party for him. I hope he and his friends will enjoy the PARTY.

You can prettend that nothing is going one.

Entire families protesting against gay parade; burned the city during the parade a day after; burining flag of your neighbour

All this in the last 5 days.

I'd understand them if they burnt Kosovo's flag. But I do not understand why they burned the Albanian flag. Is Albania Serbia, too?

Al this political discussions about what happened yesterday evening in Genova are meaningless..the important thing is that we will probably win by 3-0 and there is a good chance we will play the return game at closed doors..Prandelli, Abete & C. will reward Mr.Bogdanov aka Cai with a big gift !

Danilo, you misunderstood. I was talking about the specific family in question.

I am not excusing the violence at all, but there must have been some people there who wished to protest and were not violent.

Please don't have these knee jerk reactions without at least trying to understand what is being said.

Winston - good comment. I totally agree.

I'd understand them if they burnt Kosovo's flag. But I do not understand why they burned the Albanian flag. Is Albania Serbia, too?
(gjilani, 13 October 2010 13:37)

Why was a Macedonian flag burnt, by k-albanians, at a soccer game between two Kosovo teams? Is Macedonia Albanian too?

"Rise and rise again, until lambs become lions!!!!!"

Think about it!

Dačić said that the intervention of Italian police could have been more effective and that they ought to have prevented the spectators from bringing into the pitch the devices which they are not allowed to carry with them, and underlined that Belgrade would never allow something like that to happen.

So typical of the Serbs.Blaming the others. So all the apologies of Jeremic were not sincere at all then.So how come belgrade allows a french fan being brutalized to death in the main streets of Belgrade?

@ Patrik - But isn't hooliganism nearly always highly organised? In Britain it included city boys and the national front.

But it's still not representative of the majority of people.

These thugs do not represent Serbia, or its good citizens. These creeps are obviously organized, and funded, obviously they didn't happen to just meet in Genoa by coincidence, so they went to this match with a purpose. They even attacked the Serbian players' team bus. In any case, I hope they all received some good whacks across their empty heads, and hopefully they will think twice next time they want to engage in civil disobedience. The ring leaders, and the ones that fund them, must be found and severely punished.

I'm suprised to see the usual suspects (aka professional paid bloggers) haven't hit this site yet. Must be waiting for their talking points to be delivered. I wonder what the excuse is going to be this time? Will they blame it on the Italian officials who didn't take enough security precautions? Maybe they will blame the West for using ESPN to make this game so emotional and volatile (apparently Serbs cant handle these type of situations as was evident at the Gay Pride Parade)? They may try to deflect the criticism by pointing to other hooligans and crying about how they are singled out? Either way I can't wait to here the spin and continue to watch this once proud nation continue to embarrass themselves...

- As for burning the Albanian flag, I am not for one minute condoning it, but what do people expect?
(kate, 13 October 2010 14:56)

People expect these fans to act like normal people and not turn everything into a political rally for right wing extremists. You don't condone it but still make an excuse for their actions in your next sentence...

serbia have some crazy hooligans, they go to watch soccer in italy, they burn albanian flag. what a shame. hooligans they are or they just need job so they can stay busy at home

Good comment, Niall, I agree.

ben: "Entire families protesting against gay parade."

But I thought my hard-earned tax dosh was used to bomb people to 'deliver democracy'? Isn't that what they were doing? Exercising their democratic rights?

If they were some of the violent protestors then that is something else. But all the protestors, whether you agree with them or not (and glad to hear that you were in favour of the parade), had the right to protest peacefully.

“Italian police did not turn to us for any assistance before the match. The Football Association of Serbia did not request from Serbian police to help in any way, and accompany our national team and its fans on their trip to Genoa," said Dačić."


-- So now its all the fault of those pesky Italians and the Serbs are not at fault here? It seems to me that Dacic is condoning the actions of these Serbs by badmouthing the Italians instead of condemning the actions of his own people.

Kate and others are here on a personal agenda as always. You're not helping the situation much with your half-a..ed attempt to condemnation. What the world saw is a bunch of Serbs burning the flag of the state of Albania; not Kosova. I'm sure that such an image is not exactly conducive of an image of a progressive Serbia; yet you make excuses for that behavior. I hope by now you see how you further help our cause with comments like that, which instead of being unequivocal in their condemnation, you see them as defensible because of some lame excuse.

"Ask yourself why an 'independence' seeking group would choose to fly the flag of another nation."

For once I have to agree with you. I have never understood Republika Srpska's obsession with the Serbian flag.

As for the burning of the Albanian flag by these football hooligans, that is just a form of protest. The American flag is burned by Islamists almost on a daily balance. I wouldn't dwell on it too much.
(winston, 13 October 2010)
What exactly were they protesting against the Republic of Albania and how is a match between Serbia and Italy the appropriate venue for such protest?

Whose money is supporting those hooligans? Whose interest is to destroy the reputation of Serbia in such an important moment for our EU integration?
How come the hooligans could cross the border with the EU? The police should have named and shamed all the registered football hooligans and reported them to their Italian coleagues BEFORE such a risky match!
What about our law? Convicted hooligans shouldn't be given new biometric passports to represent us abroad! Shame!

Iam not sure why you would send someone to jail b/c they have brned an albanian flag. Who has sent the albanians to jail when they burned Our Churches and destoyed grave yards!!!??? Dont be foolish and post stupid comments like that.
What happend to Novi Pazar when the young people are cheering "this is turkey' on Seriban Land??? Did anyone put them in jail!?

How were these people even able to bring flares and fireworks into the stadium. That is some poor security if you ask me.

"If they were some of the violent protestors"

There weren't "some" violent protesters, there were 6000.

Quit making excuses for the inexcusable.

Dacic is right. The total lack of Italian security is partly to blame for this. The players deserve more protection. I also don't know why such a big deal is made about the apology, Italians were not the target of these attacks.

CCCC - stop attacking fellow Serbs.

Belgrade knew about these well known hooligans and still let them go to another country?. I think that Serbia will get a very good answer from UEFA. Apparently the guy who burned Albanian flag wanted to make the news headline. LOL.

It was a shame act of brainless.
It was a sad story too. Sad about all europian-looking people. Sorry guys :(

Good God. Most of the world outside of the Balkans, doesn't even know where Serbia is.

It is true Serbia has become an isolated cocoon in Eastern Europe--just look at a map. Everyone else is moving on.

But if the country wants to be known--keep getting on the international news for violence.

Mladic, Gay Pride parades, dead French kids, burning embassies, genocide, whatever.

Other countries seem to stay away from this or at least have strong points.

All countries have their embarrassments. But Serbia really has to prove themselves, and cannot.

Burning Albanian flags. Stopping matches. Most everyone has had it. Italy was truly supposed to be your friends when everyone else--except the Chinese and Russians--are enemies.

What a shame, serbian thugs/criminals on the news again.

Whilst i accept that actions of few do not reflect the true picture of the whole nation, however EU fears are just being reinforced that there are serious problems amongst the serbian society.

Recent public events are not being helpful at all on the EU path that most dissent and law abiding serbian citizens aspire to.

We all should condemn acts like this, especially allowing politics to get in to entertainment (thus this is not the first time, Jokovic also has used his sports'man' status to get involved, although he has not burned albanian flag)

A suggestion: outlaw the wearing of balaclavas anywhere except on a ski slope.

Someone who is not aware of the facts is trying to accuse the Italian security. It is indeed very amusing to hear of accusations coming from Serbia (and other countries) after the Belgrade parade event. People talking about lack of security are clearly misinformed. It is sufficient to see any footage of the clashes to verify what happened. At the end we see that the suspected leader of the hooligans ia amongst the detained in Italy.

Massimo, what are you talking about? Serbian police showed up in force to defend the parade, sustaining many injuries in the process. They did their job. The Italian police didn't even enter the visitors section, nor prevent the bringing in of dangerous weapons. How is that proper security?

"I hope that Serbia clamps down equally hard on these idiots. There are always a few ringleaders orchestrating the whole thing.
(kate, 13 October 2010 10:27)"

Sadly, it would appear there is more to this than a bunch of wayward youths. I suspect this and the Gay Pride protest violence is highly organized and financed. The true backers should be strung up at the edge of Kalemegdan for all in the city to see before this turns into a Mexican standoff between the criminals and the military/police.

"@ Patrik - But isn't hooliganism nearly always highly organised? In Britain it included city boys and the national front.

But it's still not representative of the majority of people.
(kate, 13 October 2010 15:36)?

I think in this case higher powers are behind this that want to derail any forward achievements by Serbia. These thugs weren't interested in supporting the Serbian team, they attacked them. The whole point was to prevent the match from taking place and bringing yet more bad media attention to Serbia. There are a lot of criminals who will lose a tremendous amount of income if Serbia succeeds internationally.

"As for the burning of the Albanian flag by these football hooligans, that is just a form of protest. The American flag is burned by Islamists almost on a daily balance. I wouldn't dwell on it too much."
(winston, 13 October 2010 18:18) "

The American flag is also burned here in the US (hardly on a daily basis, though). It's a form of Constitutionally-protected free speech, much to the annoyance of our patriJots.

One reason for preferring the Albanian flag to the Kosovo blue-and-gold for burning may have been that it, like the American flag, is instantly recognizable. Who else has a flag like the red-with-black-double-headed eagle? By the time you get around to burning a flag the last thing you want is people asking "Who are they upset with? The Italians or the Hungarians? The Danes or the Icelanders? The Slovaks or the Slovenians?" Everybody always knows when someone is annoyed with the Americans, no matter how much of the material has been consumed in the pictures.

Winston,R U trying to say that you are not any better than talibans.

Iam not sure why you would send someone to jail b/c they have brned an albanian flag. Who has sent the albanians to jail when they burned Our Churches and destoyed grave yards!!!???
(Gravedigger, 14 October)

Where exactly did you read that anyone is going to jail for burning the Albanian flag? The burning of the Albanian flag took literraly 5 seconds out of an ugly episode that lasted till midnight. The Serbs wreaked havoc through the streets of Genova, threatened with violence their goalie, stopped a UEFA sanctioned game, battked the Italian police and you are focusing on the bruning of the Albanian flag. It goes to show how out of touch some of you are.

As for burning the Albanian flag, I am not for one minute condoning it, but what do people expect? You can't just (attempt to) steal 15% of a nation's territory and not have anyone feeling a bit 'miffed'.
kate

Kate, but you are condoning it but excusing their behavior.

Massimo, what are you talking about? Serbian police showed up in force to defend the parade, sustaining many injuries in the process. They did their job. The Italian police didn't even enter the visitors section, nor prevent the bringing in of dangerous weapons. How is that proper security?
Brian

What would you be saying today if the Italian police restored order by force?
Would you be referring to it as the evil conspiracy of the West?

It's a shame that the act of so few ruin the good will of so many.

That is human nature for you, always focussing on the negative things and never recognising the positive things. It's a shame because Serbia has come a long way.

And so, saying that the fault is of italian police all serbian problems are solved? This is something very dissapointing and I shame for you all. Solve internal problems, then came to Holland asking for UE admission. As now it's impossible for Serbia to become Europe. I'm sorry

A suggestion: outlaw the wearing of balaclavas anywhere except on a ski slope.
(Amer, 13 October 2010 17:35)

An excellent idea and one that has been put into practice in many states in the US. I agree it should be implemented here in Europe, Amer.

these hooligan soccer groups are criminal enterprises

"As for the burning of the Albanian flag by these football hooligans, that is just a form of protest. The American flag is burned by Islamists almost on a daily balance. I wouldn't dwell on it too much."
(winston, 13 October 2010 18:18)

For me, both is a form of idiotism and stupid fanatism, which makes no sense at all.

Is a shame!
Holligans make the game of Albanians!
I have pitty of them....
I'm with your country ...but when these pseudo-serbians (Holligans), is a shame to serbia, my second country!

Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dačić stated on Wednesday that the Italy-Serbia football match in Genoa on Tuesday evening was not prepared properly, and that the event was called off due to violent behavior of a small group of Serbian fans.

First off al there wasn't a small group it was more than that!
what shameful and immature! Some Serbian supporters are not civilized enough to be there. BAN THEM!