Croatia Marks 36 Years Since the Never-Played Dinamo-Red Star Match

Today marks the 36th anniversary of the never-played football match between Dinamo Zagreb and Red Star Belgrade, an event many in Croatia regard as a symbolic beginning of the Homeland War.

The match, scheduled for May 13, 1990, at Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb, descended into violence before kickoff. Red Star supporters caused unrest throughout the city during the day, while clashes later erupted inside the stadium between visiting fans, Dinamo supporters known as the Bad Blue Boys, and police.

Serbian hooligans led by Željko Ražnatović "Arkan" reportedly damaged parts of the stadium and attacked spectators, while police intervened after Dinamo supporters broke through barriers and entered the pitch.

The clashes escalated as police used batons, tear gas and water cannons to disperse fans. Most players retreated to the dressing rooms, but Dinamo captain Zvonimir Boban remained on the field and became a lasting symbol of resistance after kicking a police officer during the chaos.

Boban was initially suspended for nine months, later reduced to four, and missed the 1990 World Cup in Italy due to his bravery and sacrifice.

The match was officially registered as a 3-0 victory for Red Star. Dinamo was later ordered to play two home matches away from Zagreb, while Red Star’s punishment was reduced to a financial fine.

The events at Maksimir came during a period of major political change in Croatia, between the country’s first multi-party elections and the formation of its first democratic parliament. Although the Homeland War officially began a year later, many Croatians view the violence at Maksimir as an early sign of the conflict that followed.