Bosnian football fans spark controversy in Cologne welcome and Qatar match flag incident

Fans of the Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team gathered in front of Cologne’s stadium to greet forward Kerim Alajbegović. A large crowd sang Halid Bešlić’s “Ljiljani” and the player answered questions about his debut, the World Cup goal and offered advice to youth.

Separately, video from the Bosnia‑Qatar match showed a dispute over a Serbian flag on the tribune. A man in a cap initially held the flag, which was then seized by another individual, leading to confusion and applause. Reports differ on whether the flag was ultimately returned to a female spectator or taken by a fan. The incident involved men in identical blue shirts, identified by some as members of the BH Fanatikos group.