Traveling to Belgrade for a European fixture has taken a dangerous turn for some Celtic supporters after one fan was hospitalized following a violent encounter in the Serbian capital.
The incident highlights the risks fans face when attending high-stakes football matches in cities with a history of hooliganism.
Celtic Issues Safety Warnings Before Trip
Ahead of their Europa League game against Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday, Celtic had cautioned fans against wearing the team’s home kit in public areas around the city.
Club officials also urged supporters to stick to organized transport provided by the club, particularly when traveling to and from the Rajko Mitic Stadium—a venue notorious for its hostile environment toward visiting fans.
Violence Erupts in City Centre
According to local Serbian reports, a group of Celtic supporters wearing the club’s colors were targeted by hooligans on Tuesday evening in central Belgrade.
Footage from the scene shows overturned tables and chairs outside a café, while bottles reportedly flew through the air during the chaos.
Police arrived quickly, but the attackers managed to escape before they could be apprehended.
Safety Advice for Away Fans
Authorities and the club have advised Celtic fans attending the match to arrive at the Rajko Mitic Stadium ahead of Red Star supporters to minimize risks.
The recent incident is just the latest example of tensions surrounding European and international football matches in Serbia.
A Troubled History of Fan Misconduct in Serbia
Belgrade and other Serbian cities have a history of incidents during football matches.
Last year, Serbia faced a partial stadium closure of 15 percent after home fans engaged in racist behavior during a match against Andorra.
Meanwhile, England’s Under-21 team experienced sustained racial abuse in Krusevac, two hours south of Belgrade, more than a decade ago.
Players like Danny Rose and Andros Townsend publicly condemned the behavior, and several Serbian team members and staff faced bans.
UEFA Fines and Efforts to Improve Atmosphere
UEFA has fined the Serbian Football Association over £600,000 in the past five years for various violations, including discrimination in the stands.
Ahead of England’s recent visit, the Serbian FA urged fans to “create a positive atmosphere” and to show respect for both teams, emphasizing support for the national side while respecting opponents and their anthems.
Looking Ahead
As Celtic fans prepare for Wednesday’s match, authorities and club officials continue to stress vigilance and caution.
The hope is that measures like organized transport and early stadium arrival will prevent further violence, allowing the game to proceed without incident.