ZAGREB, January 25, 2018 – Serbian Interior Minister Nebojša Stefanović is not satisfied with the verdict against Croatian nationals who took a plea bargain with the prosecution, following their involvement in a massive fan brawl during a football match between Partizan and Crvena Zvezda in Belgrade in Serbia, adding that he would insist on further investigation but would not interfere in judicial proceedings.
The Croatian nationals on Tuesday took the plea bargain with the prosecution, accepting prison sentences ranging from four to six months.
“I cannot interfere in court proceedings,” Stefanović told the media in Belgrade which reported that the Minister was disatisfied with the sentences.
Negotiations are under way with the sixth participant in the fight regarding his plea bargain. All the defendants will serve their prison terms in Serbia. After they finish serving their sentences, each of them will be given a five-year entry ban to Serbia.
A total of 26 persons were arrested after violence erupted between Partizan and Crvena Zvezda fans on 13 December, including six Croatian nationals.
At least 20 people were injured in the mass fight that broke out on the southern stands of the Partizan stadium during the first half of the game, after which a group of fans was escorted out of the stadium under tight police security.
According to media reports, the fight was a conflict between factions of Partizan fans.
The Belgrade press said the Croatian nationals were from Split and had been paid to take part in the rioting.
