Manchester City fans have enjoyed two of their three group stage away trips so far this season and their trip to the Red Star Belgrade away section and the wonderful capital city of Serbia is fast approaching. The Blues face Red Star on Tuesday 12 December with both sides' fates already sealed after City's comeback win against Leipzig secured top spot in Group G and Red Star's loss to Young Boys knocked them out of Europe.
Despite the game effectively being a dead rubber, the match is still a big one for the home side and the travelling City fans can expect a hostile reception. If you're a Man City going to Belgrade for the match, here is everything you need to know about the city and the Red Star away section.
What is Red Star Belgrade like for away fans?
Red Star supporters have a reputation for being loud and intimidating so visiting Belgrade as an away fan can be a daunting prospect. On match day, we would recommend not wearing colours and/or scarves to avoid any unnecessary hassle with Reds Star's notorious firm, Delije. This will also allow you to make the most of your time in Belgrade, which is a beautiful city in its own right.
Belgrade is the capital city of Serbia and has plenty to see. Regardless of how long you are there for, make a point of visiting the Beogradska Tvrđava (Belgrade fortress) which surrounds the Danube and Sava rivers. The fortress was built in 279 BC and has stood the test of time to still be standing today.
In terms of festivities, Belgrade has plenty of bars and restaurants to keep away fans satisfied with Republic Square and the surrounding streets popular meeting spots.
Where to drink for Man City fans in Belgrade?
The best three bars for Man City fans in Belgrade are:
Spasicev Pub Belgrade – Nikole Spasića 1, Beograd 11000, Serbia
Gunners Pub – Braće Jugovića 2a, Beograd 11000, Serbia
The Three Carrots – Kneza Miloša 16, Beograd 11000, Serbia
Where to watch football in Belgrade
Although the name might be unpopular with City fans, the United Football Pub (17 Beograd, Stari Grad 11108, Serbia) is a great spot to watch football for any Blues who are arriving in Belgrade a day or two early and/or are staying in the city for a few days after the match.
Any fans who are arriving on the Monday can expect a frenzied atmosphere in the city as Partizan Belgrade are in action against FK Radnički in the Serbian Superliga. The Partizan fans should be welcoming to City fans given both clubs share a common enemy in Red Star.
What will the Red Star Belgrade away section be like for Man City fans?
The Red Star away section is an intimidating place inside the Rajko Mitic Stadium. The travelling Man City fans will be situated on the left-hand side of the Tribuna Jug which is behind one of the goals. The away end isn't the most well-kept or aesthetically pleasing stand in football, as shown below in a video by a Rangers fan who made the trip in March 2022.
The City fans will be wedged in between Red Star fans on either side with the UEFA segregation expected to be heavy. The Red Star supporters are almost certainly going to set off flares, smoke bombs and fireworks throughout the match so the view of the pitch could become a little smokey.
In terms of the view from the Red Star away section, the pitch is surrounded by a running track so the action will feel like it's being played further away than usual.
Rangers end looks class x pic.twitter.com/Ug9TGQPPwP
— Scott Geddes (@sctgds) March 16, 2022
How many Man City fans are going to Red Star Belgrade?
Man City were given an allocation of 2,540 for the match against Red Star with all tickets costing £26.50. At the time of writing, the club haven't sold all of their allocation and they are now offering anyone who has previously attended a match at the Etihad Stadium the opportunity to purchase a ticket.
How Man City fans can get to the Rajko Mitić Stadium
The Rajko Mitic Stadium is 3.5km from the city centre so some Man City fans may decide to walk to the stadium. From Belgrade railway station, the walk will take about 40 minutes so fans will need to leave with plenty of time before kick-off to get there in time.
Alternatively, Belgrade has a tram system which takes you much closer to the stadium. Board either Tram 9, 10 or 14 in the direction of Banijca and get off at Trg Oslobondenja. Once you are off the tram, you will be able to see the stadium. Trolleybuses 40 and 41 will also take you from the city centre to the stadium and vice versa.
The Rajko Mitić Stadium tickets: How to watch a Red Star Belgrade game
To purchase tickets to watch Red Star play at the Rajko Mitic Stadium, you will need to visit the club's official website. Their ticketing portal will show a list of matches that are currently for sale with some games available only to Red Star members. However, there are plenty of matches throughout the season that can be purchased by the general public so it is easy enough to get to a match if you are patient enough.
How to get Red Star vs Man City tickets
Red Star still have a a limited number of tickets available for the match against Man City, although the majority of the stadium is a sell-out. To purchase any remaining tickets, visit the ticket section on the club's website. Manchester City also have tickets available in the Red Star away section. You will be able to buy one via the club's website if you have ever been to a match at the Etihad Stadium.