Fans to Blame: Why the Derby's Second Half Was Delayed!

You can follow the match between Crvena zvezda and Partizan live on Sportal.

Indeed, supporters of the 'Steamroller' (Partizan's nickname) covered the scoreboard in the Arena with a large flag bearing the inscription "Grobari" (Partizan's fan group name), preventing the third quarter from starting until it was removed.

This caused a delay in the start of the second half, and the game could only resume once Partizan fans had taken down their flag.

However, as soon as the third quarter began, Partizan fans put their flag back over the scoreboard, prompting the announcer to intervene, stating that the match would be interrupted if the flag was not removed.

Fortunately, the visiting fans took this "threat" seriously, moved their flag, and the game continued without further issues.

Although fans have not yet started arriving in large numbers outside the Belgrade Arena, footage from the scene shows gendarmerie already present and slowly taking up their positions.

You can follow all the action from our largest arena live on Arena Premium 1, as well as through Sportal's live blog.

The game will be officiated by Spaniard Carlos Peruga, Frenchman Mehdi Difalla, and Lithuanian Gytis Vilius. All three have previously refereed matches involving Belgrade teams this season.

This match holds significantly greater competitive importance for Crvena zvezda, who are still fighting for a playoff spot, while Partizan has lost all chances, even for the play-in tournament.

VIDEO Dobrić: We don't care what Karlik says!