Fans arrested after Red Star Belgrade's title celebrations turn violent

Several supporters went on a rampage after setting off fireworks from the bridges and banks of Sava river

Supporters of Red Star wave flags during the SuperLiga title celebration in Belgrade, Serbia. EPA

Red Star fans celebrate after their team won the Serbian league title in Belgrade on Saturday. AP

Red Star players celebrate on a river boat during the SuperLiga title celebration in Belgrade. EPA

Supporters light flares on the bank of the Sava river after Red Star Belgrade won the Serbian SuperLiga. AFP

Supporters light flares on the bank of the Sava river after the Red Star Belgrade won the SuperLiga. AFP

Red Star players celebrate on a river boat during the SuperLiga title celebration. EPA

Red Star supporters light flares on the bank of the Sava river. AFP

Supporters of Red Star wave flags during the SuperLiga title celebration in Belgrade. EPA

A laser projection of the Red Star badge is seen while supporters light torches during the SuperLiga title celebration in Belgrade. EPA

Fireworks illuminate the sky during the league title celebration in Belgrade. EPA

Several people got injured and more than 100 Red Star Belgrade fans were arrested after violent clashes during the club’s Serbian league title celebrations.

Fans first set off fireworks from the bridges and banks of the Sava river in downtown Belgrade on Saturday evening and then went on a rampage through a Belgrade district where several popular restaurants are located.

Customers ran in panic or locked themselves inside the restaurants as fans demolished chairs and tables, broke windows and clashed with restaurant security guards.

Serbia’s Interior Minister Aleksandar Vulin told the national RTS television station that about 130 mostly Red Star fans were arrested and that several people were injured during the riots.

“This will no longer be tolerated,” Vulin said. “This scum that shamed our city, Red Star and its celebration deserves to be sharply punished.”

The celebration by thousands of Red Star fans was announced in advance and was tolerated by authorities despite a ban on large gatherings because of the coronavirus pandemic.