The most passionate supporters of FK “Željezničar,” known as the Maniacs, rank among the top supporter groups in Bosnia and Herzegovina. They have carried this name since the late 1980s, but it would be wrong to consider it the beginning of fervent support at Grbavica.
During the championship season of 1971/72, the “Želje” fans followed their club across the country, culminating at the “JNA” stadium in Belgrade where the title was secured in the final round. Upon returning to Sarajevo, a celebration ensued with a “carousel” around the city, where cars adorned with flags circled while honking incessantly (using trumpets, car sirens, etc.). After years of success, a generational shift in the team led to “Željo” dropping to the Second Federal League, but even then, the fans did not abandon the blues. The average attendance at matches in Sarajevo was close to 10,000 spectators.
During that time, the most fervent supporters gathered on the hill above the south stand at Grbavica. Upon returning to the top flight, a strong team was gradually formed, and in 1981, “Željo” reached the cup final against Velež from Mostar. The match attracted around 60,000 spectators, the highest attendance at a cup final match (excluding those involving clubs from Belgrade). Thousands of blue supporters arrived at the “Marakana,” occupying the east stand of the stadium (while “Velež” supporters were on the west). Despite thunderous support, “Željo” lost (2:3), but this match prompted many to choose “Željezničar” as their club.
The brightest moments were experienced in the 1984/85 season when the team from Grbavica successfully competed in the UEFA Cup. Supporters’ banners were seen at Grbavica from outside Sarajevo, from areas where “Željo” traditionally had strong support. In the second half of the 1980s, the most passionate supporters became more organized, giving themselves the name “The Maniacs.” Apart from this group, “Blue Tigers” and “Joint Union” were formed, along with several smaller groups, but they all constituted the core group of “Maniacs.” The production of embroidered scarves with the group’s name and the acquisition of pyrotechnic devices began.
During the war, Grbavica remained in occupied territory under the control of the Army of Republika Srpska. The wooden west stand was set on fire, and fierce battles were fought around the stadium itself; the entire stadium was burned and destroyed. After the reintegration of Sarajevo, the stadium was found in poor condition, but the management and supporters got to work, and the stadium was somehow made ready for the match against “Sarajevo” on a symbolic date for the city of Sarajevo – May 2, 1996. It is difficult to describe the expressions on the faces of the “Maniacs” during that legendary match. A mixture of disbelief, sadness, but also immense joy that they were back at their Grbavica. We will mention that the match ended with a score of 1-1.
The supporters of “Želje” have, like all others throughout their existence, had their leader. One name stands out in particular: Dževad Begić – Đilda, who heroically died in the first year of the war while rescuing wounded civilians. His name is now spoken with special respect at Grbavica, and the Maniacs mark every anniversary of his death.
Maniacs have remained loyal to Željezničar to this day. During the celebration of FK Željezničar’s 100th anniversary, they organized one of the largest fireworks displays in the history of supporter culture. Their biggest rivals are the “Horde zla,” supporters of the city rival FK Sarajevo. Many Željezničar supporters express the sentiment that “Željo is a matter of philosophy, and Sarajevo a matter of geography.” They do not have friendly relations with other supporter groups in Bosnia, and in recent years, they have been involved in several incidents on the streets with all their rivals. Additionally, during away matches, they support the Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team.