FSCG: We condemn the chanting of "Duke", proceedings have been initiated against Sutjeska

The Football Association of Montenegro (FSCG) issued a statement after fans of Sutjeska, "Vojvoda", chanted "Knife, wire, Podgorica" ​​last night near the stadium under Gorica, ahead of the Cup final against Arsenal from Tivat.

The football association said that it strongly condemns the chanting of "Duke", and that the Disciplinary Commission, based on the report of the Commission for Safety and Security, initiated disciplinary proceedings against Sutjeska due to the inappropriate behavior of their fans.

We transmit the FSCG announcement in its entirety:

"The Football Association of Montenegro is using the opportunity to address the sports and general public regarding the event that cast a shadow on the final match of the Cup of Montenegro in which the Arsenal and Sutjeska Meridianbet teams fought for the trophy.

The absolutely unacceptable chanting of the "Vojvode" fan group during their arrival at the City Stadium in Podgorica overshadowed the exceptional football performance and the great fight between the players of the two teams during the 120 minutes of the match. The behavior of this fan group cast a shadow over the glory of the trophy won by the players and coaching staff of Sutjeska. Arsenal and Sutjeska set an example of how players should behave in a game of great importance. On the other hand, outside the stadium, "Vojvode" showed how the fan group, anytime and anywhere, cannot and should not behave.

Football brings with it rivalries, both between clubs and fan groups. Rivalry helps everyone to be better, to invest maximum abilities in order to be better than the opponent. Rivalry is not hatred, nor should it be.

We understand the fans' passion, we support the love for the hometown, the love for the club and we look forward to every opportunity in which this passion and love is manifested in a civilized way. Songs, chants and fan choreographies dedicated to the club or the city and their cult figures, devoid of disparaging anyone on any basis, are the most beautiful decoration of football performances and are always nice to hear and see.

Unfortunately, scandalous and absolutely unacceptable messages were heard during the arrival of the "Vojvode" fan group to the Montenegrin Cup final match. The chanting of the mentioned group is the exact opposite of the values ​​promoted by football and is undesirable in and around stadiums. Such chanting must meet the condemnation of the entire Montenegrin society, but also an adequate reaction from the competent state authorities.

The Football Association strongly condemns the chanting of the fan group "Vojvode" and the Disciplinary Commission, based on the report of the Commission for Safety and Security, initiated disciplinary proceedings against FC "Sutjeska" due to the inappropriate behavior of their fans.

Finally, to the large number of true fans of Sutjeska, who love and support their club without showing hatred towards others, we congratulate the triumph in the Cup of Montenegro. We believe that they celebrated him by singing only about their club," said the Football Association of Montenegro.