FK Željezničar: The conduct of officials and security structures must be reviewed, our fans did not violate regulations

(Patria) - Following today's unfortunate scenes at the Pecara stadium and the hitting, and ultimately expulsion of FK Željezničar fans from the match with Široki Brijeg, FK Željezničar issued a statement.

"At a time when European football insists on the highest standards of security, equal treatment, and zero tolerance for discrimination, today's events in Široki Brijeg represent a serious step backward and a direct violation of the fundamental principles on which the integrity of sport rests.

Football Club Željezničar expresses deep concern and strongly condemns today's events at the match in Široki Brijeg, which represent a serious violation of the basic standards of security, proportionality, and conduct towards fans in organized sports.

The actions of officials and local security structures, including the interruption of the match and the forced removal of our fans without a clear legal basis, as well as the evident and disproportionate use of force, are unacceptable and require an urgent institutional review", they stated.

FK Željezničar particularly points to the continuous and systemic inconsistency in the application of standards.

"While extreme nationalist outbursts, glorification of war criminals, and open calls for violence are regularly tolerated in stadiums across Bosnia and Herzegovina, without adequate reaction from the authorities, today we witnessed a drastic and selective intervention against our fans due to content that does not represent any form of hate speech or violation of regulations.

The banner that was the reason for such a reaction represents a historical and social context related to the reintegration of a part of Sarajevo, including the area of Grbavica Stadium, and as such cannot be qualified as a provocation or security threat. Any other interpretation represents a dangerous precedent and directly infringes upon the right to dignified and legitimate expression of collective memory.

We remind that FK Željezničar, Grbavica Stadium, and our fans were among the direct victims of the aggression against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Precisely for this reason, we consider any restriction of the right to commemorate historical facts related to our Club and our city unacceptable.

It is further concerning that such incidents occur continuously, including the recent case in Doboj, which passed without an adequate reaction from the competent authorities. Such a pattern of conduct seriously undermines trust in the system and the integrity of the competition.

FK Željezničar expects an urgent, independent, and transparent investigation, with a clear determination of individual and institutional responsibility. We demand an unambiguous and decisive reaction from the Football Association of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in accordance with the standards set by UEFA and international sports regulations.

We emphasize that the Club, in order to protect its fans, integrity, and reputation, will consider all available legal and institutional mechanisms, including addressing relevant international bodies.

FK Željezničar remains firmly committed to protecting its values and will not accept selective application of rules or any form of institutional injustice.

Finally, we thank NK Široki Brijeg for their correct hospitality", stated the Club.