Another great European night lies ahead of Partizan. A sold-out stadium, packed stands and the kind of energy that only Humska can produce are the image of Partizan we want to send across Europe. Against Getafe, we need one another more than ever – the players need the supporters, the supporters need the players, and all of us are here for Partizan.

The match against Tobol showed that we can do things differently.

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For the first time after a long run of European matches, Partizan was not sanctioned for inappropriate or discriminatory chanting, nor for blocked aisles and stairways.

Not once during the 90 minutes was there a chant of the kind that has cost the Club substantial fines over the years and put us at risk of stand closures and matches behind closed doors. The aisles remained clear. Our supporters recognised the importance of the occasion, put Partizan first and showed that something which until recently seemed impossible can, in fact, be changed.

On the pitch, Partizan dominated. In the stands, the team had the support it needed.

That is the picture we want to see again.

When we come to the stadium to support Partizan – and Partizan alone – and when we respect a few basic rules, Partizan is the greatest beneficiary.

Unfortunately, the Tobol match still did not pass without a fine.

A single firecracker cost Partizan €6,000. Two disputed banners cost the Club a further €10,000.

To put that into perspective: one irresponsible act by one individual throwing a single firecracker can cost the Club almost as much as the revenue generated by selling more than 850 tickets for this match.

The same applies to blocked passageways.

In its last three UEFA disciplinary cases, Partizan has been fined a total of €34,000 solely for blocked aisles and stairways – first €8,000, then €12,000, and another €14,000 ahead of the Tobol match. The most recent €14,000 fine followed the match against UNA Strassen.

For what? Because someone was unwilling to take a few steps and stand in their designated place.

Against Getafe, we expect a record attendance and one of the highest revenues from individual ticket sales in recent years. It would be unacceptable for everything we achieve together by filling the stadium to be undone by fines for things that depend entirely on us and that we are fully capable of preventing.

Ticket revenue should remain with Partizan – for the team, the Academy and the future of the Club – rather than being lost through fines for blocked stairways, firecrackers, offensive chants or messages that have no place at a football match.

Together, we must make sure that Partizan does not once again stage a major European match only for a significant part of the revenue to be lost to UEFA fines.

That is why, shortly before kick-off, the youngest players from Partizan’s Academy will walk around the athletics track carrying a simple message:

LOVE PARTIZAN? KEEP THE AISLES CLEAR!

This is not a message from UEFA. It is not a message from the stewards. It is not a prohibition.

It is a message from Partizan to Partizan supporters.

Arrive on time. Take your place. Keep the aisles and stairways clear. Do not throw objects.

Do not use pyrotechnics. Do not use laser pointers. Encourage the supporters around you not to engage in chants that have nothing to do with football and for which UEFA imposes severe sanctions on the Club we all love.

If we want Partizan to continue playing European football in front of a full stadium, these rules have to be respected.

Against Tobol, we showed that we can do it.

Now we must show that it was not an exception, but a new standard of behaviour at Partizan Stadium.

Against Getafe, the stadium will be sold out. Tens of thousands of people will be in the same place with the same objective. The sight of packed stands, black-and-white flags and support carrying the team for all 90 minutes must be stronger than any banner and louder than any chant that has nothing to do with Partizan.

This is a match in which Saša Ilić and his players will need every voice in the stands.

Let every one of those voices be for Partizan.

Let us be the wind at the team’s back from the first minute to the last. Let us create, through fair and sporting support, the kind of atmosphere for which Humska is remembered. Let us create another unforgettable European night on Topčider Hill.

Let us stand united in defending Partizan. But let us also stand united in serving Partizan.