OTHER SERBIAN FOOTBALL GROUNDS
Continuing my mini non match reports on other football grounds of Belgrade.
For a short period in the mid 90s FK Obilić under the ownership of notorious Serbian paramilitary leader ' Arkan ' were to win the league championship and enter the champions league in the 1998-9 season.
It was alleged that during important games Arkan ( real name Ražnatović ) would sit in the dug out threatening opposing players with a gun if they performed too well against his side. Games were often attended by his then disbanded paramilitary unit and threats continued against rival players with some even prevented from turning up to matches. Such high profile antics were damaging his political career and eventually Arkan's wife Ceca took the reigns although she too later became involved in allegations of corruption which would lead to her too relinquishing control. Their star shone brightly only briefly and after the death of Ražnatovića and a number of high profile scandals they have returned to the lower tiers of the Serbian leagues.
The FK Obilić Stadium is a small ground in the Belgrade area holding just 4,508 spectators. Having been formed in 1924 they are one of the oldest active clubs in Serbia today.
Being a non match day the stadium was locked up but with a little persuasion by my Serbian friend the groundsman kindly allowed me into the pitch area to take a few photos.
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