The Belgrade Derby A Foreigner’s Perspective
A Belgrade newspaper journalist from 24SATA contacted me about my blog post on the Belgrade Derby. How cool was that! He thought it would be a nice idea to write an article on a foreigner’s perspective of the game. My responses are quite long and he will cut it down. Here is the full version. I hope to add the link of his published article on my blog as well. I love the way blogging attracts you to different people around the globe!
How would you compare the Partizan – Red Star game to those you’ve seen before?
The fans make the game what it is. If you think about it, there would be no sense in going to a game without them. They make it more interesting. I’m a great believer of the spirit of the game and appreciated both teams and the way the game tactically evolved. The fans were a comforting buzzing noise in the background that filled in the gaps of panic and exciting moments.
I recall watching a game in London where I was too frightened to say a quiet, gentle boo not to annoy the crowds because they watch the game like a game of chess, with concentration. I’m not knocking it but it made me nervous and it was very serious.
Belgrade Derby was relaxing, refreshing and light –hearted fun. I love the music, the quiet buzzing anticipation and build up of the hype preceding the game, and the way it elevated during the game along with the activity. Onlookers could see how the staff managed the stadium as everyone took their places for the game to start. The songs were familiar rhythms and beats. They were catchy and made you want to dance and move about.
I was impressed by how precise and well organized the stadium was. It also felt familiar, like everyone knew everyone. It is unbelievable to feel this way.
I’d like to know how did you get interested in the game in the first place?
My husband and I met in Frankfurt, Germany where we live. I was interested in the game because my husband showed me videos on You Tube of previous games. He is from Novi Sad, Serbia and went to see games in Belgrade through his adolescent years. I was fascinated by his stories and how he came to barrack for Partizan.
I’m from Darwin, Australia and I used to play soccer (indoor and outdoor) and watch local games on the weekend as well as the English Soccer League every Mondays on TV. I lived and breathed soccer.
I’m a teacher and back home I coached a team of 10 year old girls who went away to play on the NT side. I also was a member of the NT side, and although I was benched in all the games I appreciated the chance to watch international women’s games in Kuala Lumpar. I saw Manchester play, and my country Australia play against South Africa when I was living in London a few years back and a league game in Frankfurt. They were all great experiences but there is something special about a game in Belgrade that I couldn’t exactly put my finger on, until now that I think about it.
When I watch my country play and watch a league game they are two different experiences that can be classified. They are different distinct type of games. There’s nothing like playing for your country. You play with heart and anything can happen to decide the outcome. The crowd reflects this spirit and energy. Though a league game offers a more tranquil game, like a game of chess perhaps. The game in Belgrade was like these experiences combined. It’s pride of a country and a club mixed together. Even though I am not from Serbia I felt it that day and it was great!
Weren’t you at least a little bit scared?
We were in Novi Sad together for Easter and it so happened there was a game on that Saturday. Was I scared to go? Yep a little. Though I was more cautious than scared. I did what I often do when I travel to any place. I went with my gut instincts mixed with curiosity, and some good local knowledge and planning. I went with the flow, like stages. If you feel too scared then you can always walk away and go back. But because of the precautions we took I felt fine and relaxed. I was very happy when we reached the stage. This is where I felt the safest.
On the way to the game in Belgrade. Taking a tram to the stadium.
The tight security reassured me, and yes, before entering the bus from Novi Sad and arriving in Belgrade I was scared based on what I heard before. But my husband told me of precautions to take, played it cool and made it to the stadium. We could relax, smile and take in the atmosphere, and took many amazing photos. People in the stands were friendly and there were families and women. Though mostly men.
The fire was fascinating to see and I am glad it only lasted for a short time. My hope is that the fans can coördinate and coöperate more with the officials and continue to make the game safer for all. I heard that it is getting better with tighter security. If the fans could get more creative, without the dangerous fire in the crowds it would be more fun, have better publicity, and allow a more diverse crowd to attend matches. The routines and songs were fun and I enjoyed the drumming. I hope they concentrate more of that in the future.
I tried to look less foreign as possible. My Greek background makes me look Serbian though my big Aussie smile and wide open eyes was perhaps a dead giveaway. Not to mention my English sounding voice sound out as I cheered for our team. See for yourself on my pic.
It is a wonderful derby that usually receives bad publicity. It was good to see a blogger’s perspective. View my thoughts on the game published on 24sata click here.
By Maria Mangos
Copyright © Maria Mangos and Traveliterature.wordpress.com, from February 2011. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Maria Mangos and Traveliterature.wordpress.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
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Great blog post. And congratulations for being published in 24SATA
Hi there Karl! Thanks for visiting my blog and your comments.
How did your interest in Serbia begin?