WRITTEN BY ANTE BARIČEVIĆ
Dinamo Zagreb’s most ardent supporters, the Bad Blue Boys, have officially announced their decision to boycott all home and away games until Zdravko Mamić, Dinamo’s executive vice president, steps down from his position. In order to get the word out to the English speaking world, Dinamo Zagreb supporters from California took it upon themselves to translate the Bad Blue Boys’ prologue and official boycott announcements:
Prologue to the Boycott
Dear Mr. Mamić,
Repulsed by the absolutely unacceptable manner in which you and the board of managers operate Dinamo Zagreb, we, the Association of Dinamo Zagreb Supporters, demand the unconditional and irrevocable resignation of the entire executive board, starting with the president, Mr. Mirko Barisić, and you as the executive vice president, along with the dismissal of the entire staff led by sports director Zoran Mamić and Branko Ivanković.
Along with the numerous smaller complaints, we will list only what we, the supporters, find to be unforgivable scandals and gaffes summarized in the following:
1. The complete degradation of the image of Dinamo as Zagreb’s cultured and Croatian national club contributed by your unbelievably primitive public outbursts, physical altercations, the arbitrary coupling of Dinamo from a sacred Croatian club into a political pre-election backstage game showing support to only one political party, the advocating of an ex-Yugoslav league, a ‘friendly’ game with OFK Belgrade; as well as being responsible for the unprofessional misconduct of your own players on and off the field, ignoring supporters, rejecting communication with the media, flashing middle fingers and displaying bare backsides to both home and rival supporters…
2. The constant deceiving and lying to your own supporters. From offering your resignation if Dinamo did not win the Croatian Championship in 2004/05 only to stay in your position in the end despite that season being defined as the greatest debacle in club history, along with several promises that the entire managing staff will resign in case Dinamo failed to reach Europe, that Dinamo players would not be sold off, and the constant toying around with those promises. The most blatant example involves Luka Modrić whom you promised to lead Dinamo in the 2008/09 European season, although we all know where he plays today. Your last promise, that you do not wish to sell any of the Dinamo players anymore is nothing but a demagogue of deceit as now you no longer have any players to sell, although we would like you to sell them all. Despite your constant announcements of forming a European and atomic Dinamo, our club achieved scandalous results in Europe where it has fallen over fifty spots in the UEFA standings, and most importantly, in the third round of Champions League Qualifiers, achieved ten losses in ten games during your reign.
3. The catastrophic politics within the club and the conflict of interest in which you, the owner of a sports management agency, lead our club, regardless of the facade changes at the top of your agency. Moreover, the selling of our most talented players and the bringing in of cheap, foreign players who are simply not in the same class to play with Dinamo or are practically handicapped due to serious injuries. The difference between the sold players and the players who were brought in is best known by you with one look at your bank account. Add to this all of the illogical and frequent firings of several coaches, who were sadly only marionettes, without the slightest effect in the club’s strategic decisions.
4. Your scandalous and schizophrenic comments and actions toward Dinamo supporters. Comments such as claims that we are instructed Serbs and Muslims who wish to destroy Dinamo and Croatia, or the statement that you would be on top of the world with the support of our rival supporters, the Torcida, as well as the threat that our Association is counting the last days to its demise. Everything culminated with your scandalous announcement to ban supporters from going to the stadium during the game against Rijeka, which was definitely unprecedented in the history of world soccer.
5. The dictatorial and absolute managing of the club in which obedience is the only important quality by which you choose your associates. Today soccer is a business just like any other, and with such shortsighted and limited behavior, Dinamo has no chance to become a respectable club as long as you are managing it.
6. Your complete transformation of Dinamo from a scared Croatian club to the Mamić Family private buffet and the fact that you always put yourself before the club in such a way that the majority of the public identifies Zdravko Mamić with Dinamo, which is disastrous because of your public image. The effect of such calamity, among other things, is the sad sight of the empty stands of Maksimir stadium, even during the games of higher importance for our club (Shakhtar, Sparta, Hajduk).
We do not support Zdravko Mamić, however, Dinamo has a rich history that existed before you and will continue to exist after. Therefore, we ask you to resign unconditionally; otherwise, we will be forced to fight you with all legal means including petitions, public meetings, and all other legal forms available to us.
Mr. Mamić, you have depleted all the credit you once had with the supporters of Dinamo Zagreb and we repeat once again – we are asking for your resignation first and then the resignation of all your goons in our club.
Farewell!
Official Announcement of the Boycott
After deliberations, which were attended by all relevant representatives registered in the various associations of Dinamo Zagreb supporters, the following conclusions and decisions were made:
1. We demand the immediate and irrevocable resignation of Zdravko Mamić as the untouchable ruler of the club which we can no longer identify and do not recognize as our Dinamo Zagreb. Once again, we will repeat all of the demands and arguments which this Association presented back in June 2008 (see Prologue). Also, we demand the resignation of the entire executive board and management, as well as the dismissal and departure of all possible associates that Zdravko Mamić has installed during his reign at the club.
2. We demand an immediate public debate on the Statute and the Constitution of the Association of Citizens of Dinamo Zagreb, where we will present our own proposals for restructuring the club and focus on the return of the identity of the club that will be accepted by all supporters. Also, we request the competent ministries, government and public institutions for the immediate disclosure of all business operations and the legality of the current Association of Citizens of Dinamo Zagreb.
3. We call on all Dinamo Zagreb supporters and sympathizers, the Bad Blue Boys, all citizens of Zagreb and Croatia for a complete boycott of all home and away games of the club that was once Croatian and sacred; but today is the private property of the Mamić family which exists for their personal financial gain and other interests. Let’s show them our perseverance and stand united together against the tyranny of the primitive Zdravko Mamić and his obedient cronies.
The public will be informed of all further actions through the media. This is only the first step in our determined battle to bring back our beloved Dinamo to all of its real supporters.
It’s either us, or him! Our sacred Dinamo!
The Association of Dinamo Zagreb Supporters
The Supporter Club of Dinamo Zagreb
The Association of Dinamo Zagreb Supporters – Trnsko
The Association of Dinamo Zagreb Supporters – Slavonija and Baranja
Translated by the Loyal Supporters of Dinamo Zagreb from California
I think many of you people have unrealistic expectations. Do you really think Dinamo or Hajduk can realistically produce 4-5 players capable of playing on the National Team each season or every other season? I think if they generate 1 or 2 players every few years they're doing well. In Hajduk's case, they've produced Kalinic, Gabric and Subasic. If you wish, you can also throw in Buljat.
One mustn't forget the huge extent to which the national team has relied on Croatians born outside of Croatia since we began playing on the international stage. The list is endless.
The fact is, we haven't had a "golden generation" since 1998 and we likely never will. So, in light of that, I think we need to be satisfied when teams like Hajduk and Dinamo supplement that talent with a few Croatian-born players. The fact is, a country of 4.5 million people cannot realistically be expected to regularly produce dozens of world class players.
i'll repeat what i said. Neither hajduk or dinamo will ever do anything in europe, so i rather lose in europe with homegrown kids and give them a chance to prove themselves or choke. I rathe rgive them this chance than foreign players. Hajduk paid the price for having foreign crap and now dinamo is buying foreign govno as well.
Do I think any of these current hajduk players will become internationals….NO, i doubt it. But, i rather give them the chance than a some muslim, crno gorac, serb, albanian, add any other nationality
I agree they are average players, but when you consider that Slepicka cost 1m plus and has shown very little you might as well sign a Vrucina, Budimir for far less and try and develop them. apart from the occasional backheal and goal against Sesvete we've seen little from Slepicka. That was a unneccessary foriegn purchase. Dodo is talentless and Guillermo Suarez was hideous. Sometimes its best to go Croatian than go over the top foriegn.
Vrucina played in Bundesliga 1 and got little chance at either of his clubs. Apparently he's playing better in Greece now. but what i'm saying is if Slepicka flopped and Sylvestar flops these are expensive gambles whereas if you revived a Vrucina its more use to the national team.
Czech league and Croat league is same standard to be honest. Both keric and Kelic could do with getting out of Liberec as they play with poor teammates – they don't have a Sammir, Morales, Vrsaljko or Tomecak. Liberec are generally a poor side. This is third person i said this too but if Czech league was that good Slepicka would still be there.
Vrucina has shown he is an average HNL player, he was a bust in the 2.BUNDESLIGA and Israel. Budimir, please. Benko is more of a winger. Keric looks decent but why do you think he would return to the HNL?
Same thing with Renato Kelic, the U19 defender. During the tournament in France he was talking about interest from the Bundesliga and some people think he should return to the HNL?! hahaha
btw, I'm from XT and found this site a week ago, and although I am a Hajduk fan, I actually will defend Dinamo, not necessarily Mamic, but I will defend Dinamo, Croatia's most successful team and the one team who actually develops players (sorry, have to say that, and will continue saying that until Hajduk give the NT 4-5 standard players)
I think what Hajduk are doing is commendable, but these players are not new finds. We all knew about Tomasov, Sharbini, Oremus, Ibricic from years ago. Tomasov and Anas especially have not advanced as quick as people thought they would do. As for Ibricic its really hard to get his kind of loyalty but to be over the top happy to stay in HNL1 is a bit unambitious.
Vukusic was thrown in at at young age and he may improve through sheer experience. I'm not really in favor of playing Croatians if they are not good enough. I do think you should give talent every chance. But i look around the HNL1 right and Varazdin are the only side with a nice crop of youngsters at present. Osijek wanted to give their young guys every chance but the Kohorta moaning about why they not buying players. Who? do they want them to buy? They wanted to give youngster Milicevic, Barisic, Nikisic, Maglica a chance then got Kohorta screaming down their ear hole.
Sibenik as well wanted to give Croat youngsters a chance and they drop below the relegation line. NK Zagreb try to give youngsters a go but they are distinctly average.
Rijeka and Belupo have the best policy. They take the very best youngsters in their team who have to battle amongst hardened experienced HNL1 players like Caval and Strok. From this guys like Alen Pamic, Damir Kreilach, Mateas Delic have come through. However if you just open your team up to a youngster without proving themselves i'm not sure that helps. Look at Sandi Krizman. He's had every chance and Rijeka fans will definitely take Dalovic over him. If your good enough you'll get in.
I also do not think Dinamo youngsters are stifled. Every one of them gets there chance of a full season in HNL1 in Lokomotiva and if they are good enough they return to Dinamo. What more can they ask. They even have the chance to get noticed abroad whilst with Lokomotiva. I would like Dinamo to tone down the foriegn players, but they have not allowed players to stagnate. Kramaric yes has not developed. But we are caught between two stools with Kramaric. We should really loan him for a season, but we keep thinking he'll be a useful squad player that will come good. Apart from that nothing stagnates in Dinamo's system.
I do look at Dinamos system and think yeah you know what 13 foriegners is too much and some of these guys are no better than say a Vrucina, Budimir or Benko. But i see the point in a Etto, Sammir, Morales and actually i see the point in Beciraj too cos Slepicka, Dodo and Sivonjic are soft. You know what if Beciraj plays hard that's just what Dinamo need. I'd preferred Keric. But there could be many reasons why Keric was not a target.
anyone from CSR going to be at the croatian tournament in st cate's, ON this weekend?
i'll be there supporting my old club, hrvatski orlovi from milwaukee.
Let's get real, I'm a Hajduk fan but what talents are they developing? OK, they have 10 Croatians in their lineup, but which ones will be KEY national team players?
We have seen Subasic's blunders, guys like Brkljaca, Buljat, Vejic, Andric, Tomasov are average HNL players with potential of playing in a league like Austria/Russia/Greece etc..
Even guys like Maloca, Sharbini and Oremus I don't rate as potential NT players. They might get some caps, but little impact.
Strinic is still untested but I feel he can get the job done and the jury is still out on Vukusic. If Hajduk want to develop talents, why not play Andrijaseic, Jonjic, Lendric and Sacer in these games?
I will say it, even with all their foreigners, Dinamo did, will and still develop the better talents. Even with these foreigners I still rate guys like Tomecak, Vrsaljko, Badelj and some Lokomotiva guys over the Hajduk guys
I guess this means Mamic needs to gamble more. BUUUUUURRNN!
The last thing mamic wants is the BBB to boycott. It only increases the pressure on him, slightly, but there is pressure.
Yes the fans have disgraced themselves in the past, but those are a vocal fraction of the fans.
I'm not picking sides on this topic but here's another angle: is the BBB doing Mamic a favor by boycotting games? Dinamo Zagreb have paid tens of thousands of Euros in fines over the past few years alone because of the BBB shenanigans. The police have been known to instigate the BBB but it takes two to tango.
Yeah to be honest i'd agree with that. BBB and Mamic's business are two organisations who have both taken over Dinamo Zagreb who are a football club first and foremost and not a political group or a source of private enterprise.
With the all croat players in dinamo or hajduk i just know what the crop is like at the moment and i think its pretty weak just now. otherwise i'd be all for it as i agree with your statement that it is a gateway to the national team and to european football and to a good move abroad. i agree with that totally.
i am actually for a strict 5 foriegn player ruling. yes tonel was a decent player in his time just like Cufre is a solid player. But its not long term planning. Also Dinamo fans will accept Beciraj who is Albanian not Montenegrin if he plays better than Dodo, Sivonjic and Slepicka. I already know he will as he is a physical striker.
As for Sylvestr i'm sceptical, but we'll see. With Mamic i liked what he done with Lokomotiva and Zapresic. BUT yes he is just far too much. If Mamic wants to be there then get rid of Zoran Mamic and let the coach control the club.
In recent weeks Dinamo has paid out. Whether these players are any good or not is another matter. But actually having thought about it does not signing Andrej Keric and Renato Kelic harm their progress .. erm probably not. Why can't Keric and Kelic move to a higher club from Liberec. Perfectly possible So perhaps its not harming the national team.
Also if the crop of Croat's was that good at moment then why has Zapresic signed Arber Abilajaj – Istra signed Stupic and Hadzic. There's Bosnian's everywhere you look. Its not just Dinamo. The crop is not so great at moment so perhaps things are about as good as they can be just now. If Dinamo just congregated a load of Croats maybe its just gonna be like grabbing any old guy of the street. First and foremost the talent has to be there. Also Vrsaljko and Tomecak have shown if your good enough you will rise above any foriegn player. Also i'm a fan of Callelo but Ademi has managed to shove him out the team so Croats can still rise in this system.
some comments…..since dinamo and hajduk cant compete in Europe and never will other than a shock result here or there, I have no problem with either club using a majority croat only line up/policy with a few foreign players brought in if, and only if, they are trully class and better the team. All I care about is how our national team plays and dinamo and hajduk are the gateway to the national team. Play the young croatian kids and let them learn on the job. Dinamo and Hajduk have to spend like Shaktar or Dinamo Kiev to get any results in Europe and neither team has that much money or that rich of an owner. So, play croatian only kids. It is much easier to support hajduk now knowing almost all the kids are home grown kids. yes, Ibricic makes them better, but he brings the extra class you need. Gone are the days of hajduk brining in random bosanjeros to fill the roster.
I'm all for what BBB is trying to do. But a quick question to the dinamo fans. You attack Mamic and want him out; fair enough, I am for that. But, what about the BBB themselves. They have embarrased themselves, their club and country by their actions over the previous 10-15 years on the road and at home (the same applys to Torcida). If you want a clean dinamo, and I don't doubt that, you also need to clean up your own fan base and get rid of the criminal element within your fan base. Getting rid of mamic is great, now clean up your own garbage as well. Without any internal action you have no credibility from any neutral observers.
BBB should understand that the regular everyday fans (families for example) have been boycotting Dinamo games because of THEM (BBB)
And don't be hypocrites, what players in the HNL can help Dinamo in Europe? Very few, and even if they are, they are too overpriced. I think foreign players like Tonel, Sylvestr and Beciraj will make an impact, they have at least proven themselves abroad.
At the end of the day, Dinamo will still develop Croatian players, but I have to say, to make that push to the knockout stages of Europe (which I suspect many people want), they need to sign foreign players, they are not doing it with 11 U21 Croatian players, sorry
ilillWho cares? The world will be a better place without Dinamo. They are scum and many Croatians will enjoy them rot away.
Now, sit back and watch Hajduk win the title FAIRLY! All Dinamo's title are now tainted with conspiracy as they bought them all.
I'm not sure how this is going to end.
Mamic has so much money from sales that he can happily stay in his position all season and leave BBB to it. If he feels maybe he needs a tad more money he'll just sell Vrsaljko, Tomecak, Sammir or Badelj for 5m plus.
As for the players BBB chose to attack the team in their statement by saying they are cheap foriegn knock offs which means they won't be too fussed if fans are there. I'm not sure where this ends. Its good BBB are calling Mamic out, but an all Croat Dinamo would be rubbish. Lets not keep using Hajduk as the example as they've won nothing for years and depend hugely on Ibricic. They even rejected 8m Euro for him cos they depend on him so much.
Although the changes Dinamo name will not help the national team which is a bad thing, they will improve the team. It could be we see Dinamo really crank up their performance in front of empty stadiums.
Pletikosa's move has just been completed, Work permit has been granted, he could possibly start in the next fixture against West Brom..
Good Luck to Pletikosa, not a huge fan but anyones better then Cudicini, he could prove me wrong, anyhow all the best to him,he has a chance to prove his worthy of a starting spot in our national team..
@Tom in WPG
…it's never too late!
Well written Ante! Your first contribution to CSR was an important one.
So let the Fantasy BBB Boycott Prediction game begin.
Mamic knows that if he pushes the BBB's buttons enough, they will lose their composure and credibility in the same act. If they can hold up to their end of the bargain (what was written above) and stay cool-headed in front of the public eye, they can raise some eyebrows and bring in the support of outsiders.
Now the question is, Will outsiders care enough about all this since BBB has lost enough credibility over the years? As it stands, Mamic is an immovable object with great power and connections in the city of Zagreb. Can the BBB become an unstoppable object though and battle Mamic toe to toe?
I believe that Maksimir will remain empty for the rest of the season. BBB will not bite their tongue and Mamic will remain in power with a smug look on his face. Until an outside power comes along to shake things up, I believe a stalemate will happen. Mamic can just sit there and BBB can protest all they want and absolutely nothing can change, since violence and force cannot be part of the equation for BBB.
Stay tuned!
RE: "you will be labeled as hooligans!"
I think it's too late for that…
@BBB
Great work boys. Keep the pressure on and it will work in short order.
Remember though, be true to your word, and keep it legal and non-violent (even when provoked, as will surely happen).
Once you use any non-legal or violent means your goal will be lost and you will be labeled as hooligans! Be smart, and you'll get your goal!!!!