Armada Rijeka announces organized boycott of match on All Saints' Day

The Armada Rijeka supporters' group has announced it will not provide organized support during the upcoming HNK Rijeka vs. Varaždin match scheduled for Sunday, November 1. The decision stems from the match being set on All Saints' Day, a national holiday in Croatia traditionally observed by visiting cemeteries to honor the deceased.

Armada issued a sharp critique of the Croatian Football Federation (HNS), accusing the organization of prioritizing marketing interests over the traditions and family obligations of fans. The group noted that this follows a series of four previous away matches scheduled on workdays. While the group is not calling for a total boycott and encourages individual fans to attend, they stated that their absence of organized support is a necessary expression of dissatisfaction.

Additionally, the Croatian War Veterans Association (UHBDR91) expressed dismay at the HNS decision, labeling it a lack of respect for social values and dignity. Separately, Rijeka Mayor Iva Rinčić addressed the supporters' group during a City Council session, calling for a distinction between club loyalty and the use of extremist or fascist symbols, following an incident where controversial songs were played during the unveiling of an Armada mural.