The most famous derby never played: 34 years since Maksimir Stadium incident
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
(Screenshot)
ZAGREB, 13 May 2024 – Today Croatian football club Dinamo Zagreb remembers an event that happened 34 years ago on this day, a significant moment in the history of the club.
It was May 13, 1990, when chaos erupted at Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb during what would have been a match between rivals Dinamo Zagreb and Red Star Belgrade.
The chaos unfolded when fans of Dinamo Zagreb, known as the Bad Blue Boys, clashed with Red Star Belgrade fans, called Delije, as well as with the police.
This incident is often seen as the unofficial start of the Homeland War for many people.
The unrest occurred shortly after Croatia’s first multi-party elections in almost half a century. The political landscape was shifting, with parties advocating for Croatian independence gaining momentum. This added to the tension between the two football clubs, who were always fierce rivals on the field.
The situation worsened due to rising ethnic tensions in Yugoslavia. The elections saw the victory of national-oriented parties, leading to a push for Croatian independence. However, this was met with opposition, particularly from Serbia and the remaining Communist establishment.
During the chaos, Zvonimir Boban, the captain of Dinamo Zagreb who went on to captain Croatia, became involved when he kicked a police officer attacking a Dinamo supporter.
This act made him a hero in Croatia but also earned him a nationalist reputation in Serbia. Despite facing consequences such as suspension and criminal charges, Boban remained committed to what he saw as the Croatian cause.
To commemorate this day, the players and staff of Dinamo Zagreb will light candles in memory of the fans who lost their lives during the Homeland War.
