“A dead Albanian is a good Albanian,” racist chants return to North Macedonia’s stadiums
North Macedonia continues to create a difficult political climate, which seems lately to have become part of sport as well. In the match played two days ago between Vardar and Tikves (7-0), counting toward the North Macedonian championship, another serious incident against Albanians was recorded. The ultras fan group of the team
North Macedonia continues to create a difficult political climate, which seems lately to have become part of sport as well.
In the match played two days ago between Vardar and Tikves (7-0), counting toward the North Macedonian championship, another serious incident against Albanians was recorded.
The ultras fan group of Vardar, “Komiti,” were heard chanting in unison:
“A dead Albanian is a good Albanian.”
Footage of the anti-Albanian chants was published on the “Patriotski drustvo” website, but was removed after about 30 minutes.
These chants are nothing new in North Macedonia’s stadiums, but this time they come after numerous protests by Albanian students in the neighboring country, who are demanding to take their exams in the Albanian language.
Regarding the incident involving Vardar fans, the Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed that the criminal offense of “violence and indecent behavior at sporting events” had been committed, for which a fine of 600-1000 euros is prescribed for individuals, and 1500- 5000 euros for the club if it fails to prevent such behavior.
