Following the controversial incident involving the seizure of a Serbian flag during the Bosnia and Herzegovina–Qatar match at the FIFA World Cup in the United States, two conflicting versions of events emerged in the public.
While video footage and the initial reactions suggested that a group of Bosnia and Herzegovina supporters had taken a Serbian flag from a young man who had come to support the “Dragons” while wearing a Bosnia and Herzegovina national team jersey, a day later the supporters’ group BH Fanaticos released a statement to several Bosnian media outlets claiming they had actually recovered the flag after the young man had allegedly taken it from a woman.
However, what now appears to be the most detailed account has come from the young man who was holding the Serbian flag.
Not only has he spoken out, but so has the entire group of fans who traveled with him from Canada to Seattle to support Bosnia and Herzegovina. The group consisted of young men with roots in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, and Montenegro.
In an open letter sent to the website nebojsavukanovic.info, the group presented their version of events. The letter, published in full below, states:
“We would like to address you and ask you to publish our letter regarding the incident that occurred during the Bosnia and Herzegovina–Qatar match at Lumen Field on June 24, 2026. We are four young men from Canada, originally from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, and Montenegro, and we want to publicly present the truth about the incident involving the seizure of the Serbian tricolor flag, which has attracted significant public attention.
On June 24, 2026, at 5:00 a.m., we crossed the border from Canada into the United States. We arrived in Seattle around 7:00 a.m. with the sole intention of attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar, which kicked off at noon at Lumen Field.”
The letter continues:
“Before the match, we gathered with other supporters at the fan zone near Seattle’s Waterfront. Two of us were wearing Bosnia and Herzegovina jerseys, one was wearing a Croatia jersey, and one had a Serbian flag draped over his back. There were no incidents during the gathering. On the contrary, many fans took photographs with us.
A photo titled ‘The Balkans Came Together’ captures the atmosphere perfectly.”
“THE BALKANS CAME TOGETHER”
The photograph, which was shared on social media before the Bosnia and Herzegovina–Qatar match, attracted considerable attention.
The group further wrote:
“As we entered the section where our seats were located, one of us, who had the Serbian flag tied around his waist while wearing a Bosnia and Herzegovina jersey, was confronted by individuals who attempted to forcibly take the flag. Before we had even taken our seats, we were surrounded by 15 to 20 people who insulted and threatened us.
A man wearing a white hat, who had an official accreditation badge visible in the videos from the incident, tried to calm the situation.
Under pressure, the flag was removed from him and then taken away. After receiving direct threats that it was no longer safe for us to remain in that section, we immediately left and moved to another part of the stadium.”
The group also denied allegations circulating on social media.
“False claims have appeared on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram stating that we ‘came to provoke Bosnia and Herzegovina fans’ and that we ‘stole the flag from a woman.’
These claims are completely untrue. We chose not to report the incident to the police at the time because we wanted to de-escalate the situation. Our purpose in attending the match was purely sporting and multicultural, in the spirit of the message ‘The Balkans Came Together.'”
THEY CALLED ON THE PUBLIC AND THE MEDIA TO VERIFY THE FACTS
The letter concludes with what the group describes as a “Message to the Balkans.”
“We are proof that it is possible. A Serb, a Croat, a Bosniak, and a Montenegrin. Five hours of driving together, attending a football match together, sharing laughter.
Violence in the stands is not our Balkans. Our Balkans are represented by this photograph. Our Balkans stand for reconciliation, respect, and shared smiles.
That is why we end with the words that guide us: ‘A hero is not the one who strikes, but the one who endures injustice and forgives.'”
The group also urged “the media and the public to verify the facts before spreading unverified information.”
Finally, they addressed Bosnia and Herzegovina Football Association president Vico Zeljković and national team head coach Sergej Barbarez:
“If you ever have the opportunity, ask Bosnia and Herzegovina Football Association president Vico Zeljković and head coach Sergej Barbarez about this incident, and whether they will distance themselves from the supporters who attacked us.”
The open letter was published by the portal nebojsavukanovic.info.
Text: Serbian Times / nebojsavukanovic.info Foto: Privatna arhiva