RB Leipzig issues warning to its supporters regarding Belgrade
RB Leipzig fans are gearing up for an away match against Red Star Belgrade, scheduled for Tuesday at 21:00 CET and to be broadcast on DAZN. However, the match is not without its risks, as the fan scene of Red Star Belgrade has a reputation for potentially violent behavior.
Approximately 2,000 RB fans are expected to attend the away match in Leipzig, with transportation provided by shuttle buses from the city center. The police will be present with 800 officers due to the potentially violent fan scene during the Leipzig match.
The Red Star Belgrade stadium capacity for the match against Leipzig has been reduced by UEFA to 45,000 due to a choreography honoring an attack by Serbian extremists on the police. The choreography was performed during Red Star Belgrade's match against Young Boys Bern.
Reports of violent incidents involving football fans, including fights among hooligans associated with Red Star Belgrade (Delije), have been noted in the past. This indicates a potential risk for visiting fans, such as those of RB Leipzig.
The general atmosphere at Red Star’s home ground, Marakana, can be intimidating and volatile, particularly for rival fans. RB Leipzig has warned fans about potential dangers during the away match against Red Star Belgrade.
Given the history of hooliganism, RB Leipzig fans should expect increased police presence and possibly restrictions or precautions to minimize conflict. It is advisable for fans to travel in groups, coordinate with official club and security guidance, and exercise caution when attending matches in Belgrade.
While the search results do not provide official safety advisories or detailed reports specifically about RB Leipzig fan experiences, the noted violent incident and reputation of the venue suggest that RB Leipzig supporters should be vigilant.
In a separate incident, Young Boys Bern fans reported experiences of excessive taxi fares and gunpoint demands in a fan guide for Belgrade, created by an RB fan. Belgrade played against Bern on October 2nd, with the match ending in a 2:2 draw. The Leipzig match against Red Star Belgrade saw incidents of violence and law violations both inside and outside the stadium, with property damages, bodily injuries, violations of the explosives law, and items stolen from a supermarket.
The tensions between Red Star Belgrade and RB Leipzig fans are not limited to the football field. Serbia does not recognize the autonomy of Kosovo and demands the return of the province with a majority Albanian population. This political tension could potentially escalate the already high-tension atmosphere surrounding the match.
The U19 team players of RB Leipzig will not be wearing RB attire but will be in civilian clothes, according to a report by "Bild". The U19 team of RB Leipzig will also attend the professional team's match in the evening. The Youth League match between RB Leipzig's U19 team and Red Star Belgrade's youth team is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon at 16:00 CET.
Despite the excitement surrounding RB Leipzig's Champions League journey, their fans should be cautious during the away match against Red Star Belgrade, given the history of hooliganism and volatile atmosphere at the Marakana stadium. It is wise for RB Leipzig supporters to follow safety guidelines such as traveling in groups, coordinating with official club and security guidance, and exercising caution when attending matches in Belgrade.
