The atmosphere surrounding the clash between Novi Pazar and Jagiellonia Białystok in the Conference League qualifiers was heated not only on the pitch, but also off it.
On Thursday night, in the Bosniak-majority city in southern Serbia – near the border with Kosovo – home fans clashed with a Polish hooligan group, known for their openly anti-Kosovo stances.
The provocations began before the match, when Polish hooligans chanted anti-Kosovo slogans during the trip to Novi Pazar. The situation became even more tense during the match itself, when Serbian fans joined in with provocative chants of “Kosovo is Serbia.”
According to reports, Bosnian fans reacted angrily to these provocations and attacked the Polish hooligans, causing violent clashes. At least one Polish fan was injured during the incident.
Despite the off-field turmoil, Jagiellonia managed to secure a 2:1 victory, gaining a significant advantage for the return leg.
Law enforcement agencies are expected to open investigations into the violent incidents, while ethnic and political tensions continue to cast a shadow over sporting events in the region. /Telegraph/