Succumbing to the Mob

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a specific country in many ways. The best and most recent example is the statement by member of the Armed Forces of BiH Boris Lovrić.

On the eve of the football World Cup match in Russia between Croatia and England, Lovrić, via his Facebook profile, stated that "one should cheer for Croatia, but not at the expense of spitting on Bosnia and Herzegovina, because that country gave birth to you and raised you."

He was referring to the fans of the Croatian national team from Široki Brijeg, who, while celebrating Croatia's previous victory over Russia, cursed and insulted BiH.

For his humane gesture, Lovrić received positive reactions from the more decent part of BiH's population, but he very quickly had to back down before the minority part, which believes it is not appropriate to love, or at least respect, the place where you were born and raised.

Due to the fierce reactions, Lovrić deleted his post, and then posted a new one in which he apologizes to those he offended!?

What and to whom is Lovrić apologizing? Did Lovrić write something bad that would require him to apologize to someone?

"It was not my intention to seek media attention, nor anyone's praise, nor likes, nor to curry favor with anyone, nor anything else. Those who felt offended by my post, I apologize to them as a human being, because it was not my intention to offend anyone, and I want all of you to know that," Lovrić wrote in a new message.

Under the pressure of the mob, Lovrić found himself in a situation where he had to apologize for offending those who spit on, curse, and undermine the state of BiH.

Lovrić stepped out of the established fan mentality that for years has simply implied that the victories of neighboring countries are celebrated by insulting, in the worst possible way, the country where these celebrants were born, raised, and from whose budget they regularly receive salaries.

Of course, they do not harbor any hatred towards money and have never refused to receive a salary.

In Lovrić's case, as well, the old folk proverb proved true once again.

What the wise man is ashamed of, the fool is proud of.