KSS: WE EXPECT REACTION FROM FIBA DUE TO DISGRACEFUL BEHAVIOR OF THE CROWD IN SARAJEVO

BELGRADE, DECEMBER 1 /SRNA/ - The Basketball Federation of Serbia /KSS/ expects a reaction from the International Basketball Federation /FIBA/ regarding the disgraceful behavior of part of the fans in the Mirza Delibašić Arena in Sarajevo during the BiH vs. Serbia match in the World Cup qualifiers.

"We consider it disgraceful that there were boos during the playing of the Serbian national anthem, the singing of offensive nationalist songs, derogatory chants, and hate speech directed at our national team, the state of Serbia, and our president, accompanied by extremely offensive banners that have nothing to do with sports," KSS stated. Such incidents, KSS notes, represent a serious violation of the spirit of sport, the values of fair play, and international sporting standards, and must not be tolerated at any sporting event. KSS expects a reaction from FIBA following the match delegate's report, as well as a response from the Basketball Federation of BiH. "Despite these circumstances, the Serbian national team demonstrated professionalism, composure, and sportsmanship, of which we are extremely proud. Our focus remains on the game, respect, and the values that basketball should promote," the KSS statement reads. Serbia's basketball team defeated BiH 74-72 in Sarajevo last night in the second round of the World Cup qualifiers. Serbian basketball players were met with hostility in Sarajevo. BiH fans booed during the playing of Serbia's national anthem "Bože Pravde" /`O God of Justice`/, and waved war flags of the so-called Army of BiH, under which numerous crimes were committed against the Serb population. During the first half, insults directed at Serbia's President Aleksandar Vučić and the country could be heard from the stands.