The Basketball Federation of Macedonia reacts after the scandal in Kumanovo: There is no place in the stands for nationalist calls

The Basketball Federation of Macedonia reacts after the scandal in Kumanovo: There is no place in the stands for nationalist chants

After last night’s scandal at the basketball game in Kumanovo, the Basketball Federation of North Macedonia has also reacted. 

The FBM said they distance themselves from and condemn the unbecoming behavior of “a small portion of the fans at the Macedonia – Romania match.”

According to the Basketball Federation, such actions do not represent the spirit, values, and identity of the federation, nor do they reflect the majority of fans, who will always be an example of sports culture and support.

“Nationalist slogans, hate speech and incitement to intolerance have no place in the stands, nor in sport in general. The federation calls on all fans to refrain from similar actions in the future and to contribute to creating a positive, safe and inclusive atmosphere in stadiums and halls.”

During the basketball match between North Macedonia and Romania, hateful and racist chants were heard against the Albanian people.

“Let the damned Albanians understand, the Macedonian name will not disappear. Pure, pure, pure Macedonia”, shouted some of the fans in the stands.

Senior state figures were present, including Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, Kumanovo Mayor Maksim Dimitrievski, Minister of Foreign Affairs Pancho Toshkovski, and Deputy Prime Minister Ivan Stoilkovic./Express newspaper/