Nermin Crnkic Situation at Sarajevo - Death Threats and Protection for 2 Players

Nermin Crnkić i Advan Kadušić (Foto: Arhiv/Klix-ba)

This is a news item that I find, as I am sure most of you will as well, a disgraceful situation with Nermin Crnkic. For those that don't follow US Players overseas closely, Nermin is a dual USA/Bosnia forward playing for Sarajevo in Bosnia's Premier League. Nermin is (was) the 2nd highest goalscorer for the club, and had won many close games for them over the last year. Nermin and Edinu Rustemoviću, the other player in this story, have been the targets of death threats following Sarajevo's loss in the Bosnian Cup. The most frightening were aimed at Edinu Rustemovicu, who 's apartment door was shot at, while he and his family were present, while Nermin had people threatening him at his apartment door. The club feeling that the danger was very real, moved both Rustemovicu and his family and Nermin Crnkic out of the city and they were put under protection. The cause of the threats followed the Cup Final where both players missed penalties in the loss.

We hear occasionally about crazy fan behavior around the world, and there have even been a couple of killings - although thankfully that is very rare. Teams in Europe have had their fans banned from games because of their activities even in countries like Italy. The authorities in Bosnia have not taken any action at Sarajevo yet (at least none that is reported) Sarajevo played their 'big' game of the season this Saturday, a derby match (think Manchester teams playing each other) without 2 of its players. Condemnation from Sarajevo officials although 'the right thing to do' come off as a little self serving as their fears are that they won't be able to attract players. The Bosnian Football authorities and maybe FIFA need to step in in these cases and ensure player and fan safety, words are not enough. The Big Soccer Forum, has stated in a post that Nermin has left Bosnia and is back in the States, maybe, I couldn't find confirmation of this.

Apparently, Nermin will not be with Sarajevo next season, his agent has stated that he and another player at Sarajevo will be leaving in June (this was publicized prior to the current situation) and a number of reports have scouts from a number of German Clubs looking closely

Note: I have tried to be as accurate as I can on this report. The players have made no statements that I am aware of, but the clubs President and Coach have. The bulk of the reporting on the incident was made by www.Klix.ba and is heavily sourced in this article.