November 15 – As if Greek football didn’t have enough serious problems, the national federation has now been forced to apologise to Bosnia-Herzegovina after offensive banners were displayed at a World Cup qualifier last Sunday referring to the infamous 1995 Srebrenica massacre.
The encounter in Piraeus finished 1-1 after the home side equalised deep into stoppage time but that was overshadowed by Serbian-language flags containing the words ‘knife, wire, Srebrenica’, in reference to the murder of 8,000 Bosnian Muslims at the hands of units of the Bosnian Serb army during the Bosnian War.
The banners triggered outrage in both countries with Greek police urged to punish the offenders.
“The Greek Football Federation deeply regrets the unacceptable banners during the match between Greece and Bosnia-Herzegovina, which it condemns in the most absolute and unequivocal manner,” a statement read.
“These are the actions of minorities and do not express in any way the views of the vast majority of Greek fans.
“The Greek Football Federation feels obliged to apologise on behalf of the minority involved to the Football Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina and the friendly people of that country.”
The match did generate one moment of somewhat lighter moment when Bosnia striker Edin Dzeko was sent off for pulling down opposing defender Papadopolous’s shorts.
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