17 Apr 2009

Red Star handed one match home ban after derby violence

5:47 pm on 17 April 2009

The Serbian football club Red Star Belgrade must play one home match behind closed doors after their fans caused trouble in last week's derby with Partizan.

The ban will be served in the weekend game with Vojvodina Novi Sad but has little effect as both sets of supporters vowed to boycott the fixture because it clashes with the Christian Orthodox Easter weekend.

Red Star fans clashed with riot police and burned about 1,300 seats at runaway leaders Partizan's ground on April 8th. Partizan won the match 2-0.

Fixtures between the clubs have a history of violence and they could meet again this season after both teams reached the Serbian Cup semi-finals.