Feb 19 • 18:50 UTC 🇭🇷 Croatia Narod.hr

Dinamo's Crest Annoys Serbs: 'No Delija Would Buy This'

A Dinamo Zagreb crest featured on merchandise from Lille OSC sparked backlash from Serbian fans ahead of a key match against Red Star Belgrade.

Ahead of Red Star Belgrade's first knockout match in European competitions against Lille OSC, a notable item caught attention in Lille's official fan shop. The shop displayed a scarf featuring the crests of all opponents that Lille has faced in the Europa League this season, including the crest of Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb. Serbian media and fans noted this inclusion, stating that 'no Delija would buy this,' referring to the fervent fans of Red Star Belgrade known as Delije. Although this merchandise is standard for opponents played by the club, the inclusion of Dinamo’s crest among the others triggered reactions in media and among some fans. The mention of the crests highlights the contentious rivalry between Serbian and Croatian football, particularly between the supporters of Red Star Belgrade and Dinamo Zagreb. The emotional reactions stem from historical sports rivalries, which frequently transcend the realm of football and tap into broader socio-political tensions in the region. As the match approaches, this incident underscores the significance of club identities and rivalries in shaping fan culture in Eastern Europe. It illustrates how merchandise depicting rival teams can evoke passionate responses, reflecting deeper historical animosities and sporting rivalry dynamics, ultimately elevating the stakes for the upcoming fixture between Red Star Belgrade and Lille OSC in this European contest.

📡 Similar Coverage