Drama in the stadium: fans remember deceased member before violence breaks out!

Drama in the stadium: fans remember deceased member before violence breaks out!

On October 31, 2025, there was a memorable and at the same time tragic game in the UEFA Conference League at the Europakreisel stadium, in which 1. FSV Mainz 05 played against the Bosnian club HŠK Zrinjski Mostar. Before kick-off, a member of Ultras Mostar was found dead in an apartment in Mainz. This shocking news spread quickly and led to the Ultras informing Mostar about the incident on their website. An emotional moment followed in the stadium as the deceased were remembered with a minute's silence and songs. Such expressions of grief show how deep the connection between the fans is.

The game itself was characterized by a special atmosphere. The away fans presented a two-part banner that both celebrated their return to the international stage and expressed their connection to their region and Croatian identity. The banner also contained a modified song passage by Croatian singer Milo Hrvić. What is interesting is that Zrinjski Mostar, the oldest football club in Bosnia and Herzegovina, was banned between 1945 and 1992 due to its Croatian identity. The Ultras have never forgotten the homage to their history, which was also reflected in the banner on the home page, which recalled the partisans from the Second World War with the provocative message: “Destroy the Ustasha, long live the partisans.”

Riots after the game

However, after the game there was an unfortunate escalation. Some visiting fans were attacked by a large group on an S-Bahn on the way to Frankfurt Central Station. The police arrived quickly and were fortunately able to calm the situation. The S-Bahn continued on its way, and around 60 to 70 members of the Ultras Zrinjski Mostar gathered at the main station, who took a group photo before safely getting to their accommodation under police escort.

Such incidents raise many questions about how safety can be ensured at football matches. Football violence is a widespread problem that extends from the E-Youth to the Bundesliga. It is also not uncommon for aggressive fans or ultras to incite each other in online forums, which can further aggravate the situation. The police are therefore faced with the challenge of not only ensuring security, but also taking preventive measures. This includes, among other things, preventing violence through well-equipped fan representatives and consistently isolating people who are prone to violence.

Zrinjski Mostar and its history

HŠK Zrinjski Mostar was founded in 1905 and over the years has developed into one of the most important clubs in Bosnia and Herzegovina. With nine championships and a strong fan base, represented by Ultras Mostar, the club has left a lasting mark on the football landscape. The rivalry with city rivals Velež Mostar and other clubs such as Sarajevo and Željezničar regularly ensures heated games and passionate support.

The club not only celebrated sporting success, but was also the first from Bosnia and Herzegovina to reach the group stage of a European club competition in 2023. This year is not only a sporting highlight, but also a time of remembering and mourning that brings fans together.