Nikola Kalinić of Crvena zvezda was ejected from a Serbian Basketball League playoff game on May 1, 2026, after throwing multiple punches at Zlatibor’s Matej Čibej during a brawl on the court in Čajetina, sparking a chaotic scene that saw players, coaches, and spectators intervene.
Violence erupts in Čajetina as Kalinić punches Čibej during playoff clash
The second game of the quarterfinal series between Zlatibor and Crvena zvezda in the Serbian Basketball League (KLS) devolved into a violent confrontation on May 1, 2026, as Nikola Kalinić, a key player for the red-and-white side, threw multiple punches at Zlatibor’s Matej Čibej. The incident occurred late in the third quarter in Čajetina, prompting a chaotic scuffle that involved players, coaches, and even spectators rushing onto the court.
According to video footage and eyewitness accounts, Kalinić and Čibej became entangled in a physical altercation after a scuffle under the basket. Kalinić, one of Serbia’s most experienced players, reportedly struck Čibej several times with his fists, leaving the Zlatibor player lying on the floor clutching his head. The altercation escalated as other players from both teams rushed onto the court, with Ognjen Dobrić and others attempting to separate the fighters.
Crvena zvezda’s head coach Saša Obradović, visibly agitated, had already shown frustration during the first half, shouting at his players and later staring blankly after Zlatibor pulled away early in the game. The tension in the locker room was palpable, and the incident only intensified it further.
Multiple ejections and a game disrupted
In the immediate aftermath, referees ejected Kalinić, along with Crvena zvezda teammates Ebuka Izundu and Dejan Davidovac, as well as Zlatibor players Stefan Savić, Čibej, and Hunter Vitfild. The sudden removal of so many key players disrupted the flow of the game, though officials managed to restore order and allow play to continue.
The brawl was not isolated to the court. After the game, Kalinić reportedly engaged in another physical confrontation, this time with spectators, as he allegedly jumped over the barrier and moved toward Zlatibor fans. Izundu was also involved in pushing a spectator during the melee, adding to the night’s escalating chaos.
League and public reaction
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from fans, media, and even former players, who have condemned the violence as unacceptable on a sports court. Crvena zvezda’s management and coach Obradović have yet to issue a formal statement, but the club’s reputation has been further tarnished by the episode, following a season already marked by disciplinary issues.
Zlatibor, meanwhile, had been leading by 18 points at one stage before Crvena zvezda closed the gap in the third quarter. The game’s outcome was ultimately overshadowed by the violence, leaving both teams and the league to address the broader implications of such behavior in professional basketball.
What comes next?
As of May 13, 2026, the Serbian Basketball League has not announced any further disciplinary actions beyond the ejections during the game. However, the league’s disciplinary committee is expected to review the incident in detail, potentially imposing fines, suspensions, or other penalties on the players involved. The series between Zlatibor and Crvena zvezda is set to continue, with the next game likely to be played under heightened security and scrutiny.
For Crvena zvezda, the fallout extends beyond the court. The club’s image has been further damaged, and the incident has reignited debates about player conduct and the league’s ability to maintain standards. With the playoffs still underway, the focus remains on whether the teams can separate the game from the off-court drama and deliver the competitive basketball that fans expect.
