Red Star ’91: Conquering Europe as Yugoslavia Collapsed – Part One

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week hosts Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson explore the history of Red Star Belgrade, focusing on their monumental 1991 European Cup win against a backdrop of Yugoslavia's political turmoil and impending civil war.

This episode explores the club's founding, cultural significance, and key players, including the dramatic escape of Miodrag Belodedici from Romania. They also detail the influence of notorious figures like Arkan and the emotional scenes in Belgrade during this turbulent time.

Part Two will release on Friday.

00:00 Introduction
06:19 Political Tensions and Football
09:31 The Riot at Maksimir Stadium
16:36 Arkan's Criminal Background
25:04 Arkan's Bonkers Wedding and Return to War
27:23 The Rise and Fall of Arkan
29:39 Red Star Belgrade: Historical Context and Formation
31:13 The Intellectual and Working-Class Roots of Red Star
36:24 Red Star's European Struggles and Triumphs
39:52 The Escape and Signing of Miodrag Belodedici
44:32 The 1991 Season and Key Changes
47:48 Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two
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