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Partizan punished with over $46K fine over racist banner targeting Fenerbahce Beko

Fenerbahce Beko and Partizan players battle for possession during the EuroLeague Week 12 clash in Belgrade, where Serbian fans displayed a controversial banner depicting Milos Obilic, the medieval figure who assassinated Ottoman Sultan Murad I. (Photo collage by Haber Global)
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Fenerbahce Beko and Partizan players battle for possession during the EuroLeague Week 12 clash in Belgrade, where Serbian fans displayed a controversial banner depicting Milos Obilic, the medieval figure who assassinated Ottoman Sultan Murad I. (Photo collage by Haber Global)
November 28, 2025 02:32 PM GMT+03:00

Basketball’s European League has fined Serbian club Partizan €40,000 ($40,000) after its supporters displayed a racist banner during the home game against Fenerbahce Beko in Week 12. The banner depicted Milos Obilic, the medieval Serbian figure known for assassinating Ottoman Sultan Murad I in the 1389 Battle of Kosovo, a reference widely viewed as intentionally provocative toward Turkish fans.

In its statement, the league said Partizan was fined due to “multiple incidents caused by Partizan Belgrade supporters during the game against Fenerbahce Beko,” adding that the club’s upcoming home matches will be played with a stadium capacity reduced to 80%.

A large banner showing Milos Obilic confronting Ottoman Sultan Murad I hangs in the stands during the Partizan–Fenerbahce Beko game in Belgrade, drawing widespread criticism for its racist and provocative imagery. (Photo via Hurriyet)
A large banner showing Milos Obilic confronting Ottoman Sultan Murad I hangs in the stands during the Partizan–Fenerbahce Beko game in Belgrade, drawing widespread criticism for its racist and provocative imagery. (Photo via Hurriyet)

Stadium restrictions delayed but remain in force

The partial closure sanction has been suspended conditionally throughout the 2025–26 season.

According to the league, any further violation will immediately activate the restriction.

Fenerbahce had filed an official complaint

Fenerbahce Beko defeated Partizan 99–87 in Belgrade, where the banner and prolonged anti-Turkish chants caused widespread backlash. Speaking earlier, Fenerbahce board member for basketball Cem Ciritci explained that the club had filed complaints about the incident, stressing that “despite all warnings, officials still allowed the banner to be displayed.”

November 28, 2025 02:32 PM GMT+03:00
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