The news of the arrest of the well-known referee Uros Nikolic (40 years old), who is allegedly involved in a criminal organization, has caused a shock in Serbia. Nikolic, known to Red Star fans and a regular referee in competitions such as the Euroleague, the ABA League and the Serbian League (KLS), was arrested yesterday in a major police operation.
According to the information of the Serbian Media, the police carried out an operation against the “Vracarci” group, which is accused of serious crimes. Nikolic was arrested along with ten other people and is expected to plead today before the Prosecutor for Organized Crime.
Past with intense reactions and episodes
Uros Nikolic is no stranger to basketball circles, as in the past he has been at the center of many incidents and protests from teams and fans.
In 2025, Nikolic had knocked out basketball legend Ivo Daneu, one of the top 50 European players of all time and a World Champion with the former Yugoslavia. The incident happened during the Second ABA League final between Illyria and Bosnia Sarajevo at the historic Tivoli Stadium in Ljubljana, where Yugoslavia had won the World Cup in 1970.
The then 87-year-old Daneu had declared after the match: “I just said and showed that there were steps. My friend told him “you are a thief”, and then we were both taken out of the room».
Episode with Red Star and damaged locker room
In 2021, Red Star had asked the ABA League for disciplinary action against Nikolic and then-watcher Milan Krneta, following a serious incident that allegedly took place in the match against Cedevita Olimpija.
According to the club’s press release, the team was informed by the police and facility managers “Tasmajdan” and “Aleksandar Nikolic” that the refereeing hall had been completely destroyed. Red Star had filed a formal request for an investigation, accompanied by a 20-second video, calling for the investigation and punishment of all those involved.
A case that shocks Serbian basketball
The arrest of Uros Nikolic has caused strong reactions in the Serbian public opinion, as he is a referee with many years of international presence. He himself was known for his participation in top Euroleague and ABA League matches, but also for his frequent involvement in incidents and controversies.
Nikolic is expected to be brought before the Organized Crime Prosecutor’s Office today, with the authorities investigating his role and degree of involvement in the action of the “Vracarci” group.
Source: Sport Fm
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