President of Serbia Fined for Drinking Champagne

Saturday, December 12, 2009
Boris Tadić

Zero tolerance means just that in Serbia, where drinking at soccer stadiums is strictly forbidden. The country’s president, Boris Tadić, found this out after he was slapped with a fine of 400 euros ($584) for popping open a champagne bottle in a VIP lounge at Red Star Belgrade’s stadium following Serbia’s defeat of Romania 5-0 to qualify for the World Cup. Tadić said he was unaware of the anti-hooligan law when he celebrated the momentous occasion. The government’s sports minister and football association chief were also fined. No alcohol is permitted at Serbia’s sporting venues during games and up to 90 minutes after their conclusion in order to prevent outbreaks of drunken brawls.

-Noel Brinkerhoff
 

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