Partizan pitch vandalised, Belgrade derby in doubt - club

Unknown individuals damaged the pitch at Belgrade's Partizan FC football stadium, raising doubts about the holding of Monday's city derby, the club announced on Sunday.

FC Partizan reported that broken bottles were scattered across the pitch, and oil was poured on the grass and set on fire.

"During the previous night, the pitch at the stadium on Humska Street, where the biggest match in Serbian football is scheduled to take place tomorrow, was significantly damaged", FC Partizan stated.

The incident occurred a day before the 174th "Eternal Derby" between Partizan and their city rivals, Red Star FC.

The management of Partizan FC said that they had provided the police with security camera footage, as well as their own information regarding the individuals involved.

"We are outraged and demand an immediate response from all relevant authorities," Partizan FC declared.

The club added that the pitch cannot be fully repaired in such a short time, but that "they will do everything possible" to bring it to an acceptable condition for the match.

The 174th "Eternal Derby" is scheduled for Monday at 1700GMT.