During his interview with the Albanian language Klan TV, VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski was asked about the sports songs sometimes used by Macedonian fans, one of which contains derogatory slurs at ethnic Albanians.

Albanian language media, as well as outlets affiliated with the Zaev Government, reacted after the mass celebration that followed Vardar’s win at the EHF Champions League by painting its supporters with a broad brush as nationalists. Some 100.000 people gathered in Skopje and chanted in protest against the imposed name change, saying “Never North, Always Macedonia”, and the media and commentators who support the name change accused the crowd of insulting Albanians. Mickoski condemned the insults aimed at Albanians, but also reminded the journalists and their viewers of the broader issue, which includes both violence and insults used by Albanian fans agains Macedonians.

I grew up with Vardar, I was a fan since I was a kid. I was happy when Albanians like Gajrus Sadiki held Vardar’s defensive line, or when Artim Sakiri played for Vardar. I can’t accept insults based on ethnicity. I will also ask you to consider what is sang in the streets of Cair or Tetovo, by the Albanian fans, by the Shverceri. You know what they sing about Macedonian girls? What does that look like to you? Both ethnic groups are hurt when they are being insulted and we mustn’t encourage that, Mickoski said.

In July 2018, as the name change treaty being imposed on the country and national tensions ran high, three Albanian football hooligans killed a 20 year old Vardar fan, Nikola Sazdovski Sazdo, beating him to death. One fled the country due to slow police reaction while two were sentenced to lengthy prison terms. Vardar captain Stojance Stoilov dedicated the trophy to Sazdo.