BOYSY says goodbye to young fan: "I'll be with you in heaven when I get there"

At the Maksimir stadium during the first round match between Dinamo and Slaven Belupo in the Croatian Football League, an emotional tribute unfolded in the north stand. In the 20th minute of the game, the Bad Blue Boys fans paid homage to Mate Vranić, a tragic fan of Dinamo who passed away on May 29 at the age of 20. The tribute included a choreography and song performed by the fans, featuring the lyrics “I will be with you, even in heaven when I enter.” The gesture was met with widespread support from the crowd, particularly from the west stand spectators, who responded with loud applause. As part of their tribute, the fans displayed a large portrait of Vranić at the base of the stand, while a sign reading “Naš dobri Mata” (“Our Good Mate”) stood atop the fence. This moment highlighted the deep connection between the club and its supporters, especially in times of loss. The match itself began under challenging conditions, with temperatures reaching exactly 30 degrees Celsius at the start of play. These high temperatures led to the implementation of a hydration break, which this time did not provoke complaints from the fans. The weather is expected to worsen for the upcoming match, which will see the reigning Croatian champions face Žalgiris Kaunas on Tuesday. According to current forecasts, the temperature at kickoff time, set for 8 p.m., is projected to reach 32 degrees Celsius. The tribute to Vranić came just days after his passing, underscoring the significance of fan culture within the club. His death has sparked discussions among fans and officials alike, with many expressing sorrow over the loss of a young supporter who had been deeply connected to the team. While there have been no formal statements from the club regarding the tribute, the spontaneous nature of the gesture reflects the strong sense of community and shared identity among Dinamo’s supporters. The match against Slaven Belupo saw both teams struggle with the heat, though neither side managed to secure a decisive advantage. The atmosphere remained tense throughout, with fans continuing to show solidarity with Vranić through chants and signs. The presence of such memorials during matches is not uncommon in football, but the scale and sincerity of this tribute were notable. As the season progresses, the challenge of playing in extreme heat will likely become more pronounced. With temperatures set to rise further, the physical demands on players and fans alike will increase. For now, however, the focus remains on the game and the enduring bond between the club and its supporters. The tribute to Vranić serves as a reminder of the emotional weight carried by football fans, and how moments of grief can be transformed into acts of unity and remembrance.