April 21 – Local authorities in Ohrid have closed the stadium to fans for the top of the table clash in the North Macedonian second division between Voska Sport and Vardar Skopje because of fears of violence.
The match, to be played this Sunday, was described by the local police as being “very risky”. Voska Sport leads the division with 59 points, while Vardar occupies the second place with three points less. Promotion to the First League is won by the first two teams in the final ranking and the next two play additional playoffs.
A few days ago, the management of Voska Sport announced that they would not allow fans from Skopje into the stadium, provoking a strong reaction from Vardar. The extreme ultras of the team from the capital, from the Komiti fan group, said they would “invade Ohrid”, despite Voska’s decision.
“We do not accept amateurish and biased decisions with which they want to drive fans away. There is only one solution that takes effect immediately: Invasion of Ohrid! The match against Voska is the finale of the whole season, of our whole struggle. We are Vartar’s strongest weapon, so – mobilization,” wrote Vardar fans.
A day later, the management of the Ohrid club announced that no fans from either club would be present at the Biljanini Izvori stadium and the match would be played in front of empty stands for security reasons.
“We inform all football fans, and in particular those of FC Voska Sport, that the derby of the 25th round against Vardar will be held without the presence of an audience. Such a decision was made due to safety reasons and the conduct of the match, which the police in our city defined as “high-risk”. Precisely in order not to endanger anyone and mainly for the sake of football, the club decided to hold the match without fans in the stands. May the best win! Above all, let football win”, said an official announcement from Voska Sport.
The Ohrid club also added that the hosts will take all measures for the security and safe conduct of the match. The stadium of Voska Sport ‘Biljanini Izvori’has a capacity of only 3,980 seats.
Voska Sport’s final decision caused a further reaction from Vardar ultras: “Fear is growing among the local sheriffs. Let the decision with which they think they will discourage us serve as additional motivation for every Vardar fan. It is not important how you will come, but why. On Sunday we defend the honor of the club and the group. We are most needed on Sunday. And to the bas*ards who think that closing the doors will stop us, we say: See you at the stadium!”
Contact the writer of this story, Aleksander Krassimirov, at moc.l1731797012labto1731797012ofdlr1731797012owedi1731797012sni@o1731797012fni1731797012