Following widespread condemnation of hate speech and ethnic slurs during the basketball match in Kumanovo, the Basketball Federation of North Macedonia has issued an official response, distancing itself from what it called the “disgraceful behavior of a small group of fans” during the North Macedonia vs. Romania game.
In a public statement, the Federation emphasized that such actions do not represent the spirit, values, or identity of the organization, nor the majority of supporters, “who will always remain an example of sportsmanship and culture.”
“Nationalist slogans, hate speech, and incitement of intolerance have no place in the stands — or in sports in general,” the statement read.
The Federation also called on all fans to refrain from similar behavior in the future and to help foster a positive, safe, and inclusive atmosphere at stadiums and arenas.
During the game, racist and anti-Albanian chants were clearly heard from parts of the crowd. Among the disturbing slogans shouted were:
“Let the cursed Albanians understand — the Macedonian name will never disappear! A clean Macedonia, clean, clean!”
Present at the match were high-ranking state officials, including Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski, Kumanovo Mayor Maksim Dimitrievski, Foreign Minister Pancho Toshkovski, and Deputy Prime Minister Ivan Stoilković — all of whom have faced criticism for their silence.
