We are all getting excited for the World Cup that is going to be held in Johannesburg in 2010, but here’s a valuable lesson on post game celebrations that proves you have to be careful no matter who you are. Back in October, Serbia was playing a match against Romania which, if they won would guarantee them a spot in the World Cup. They ended up winning big time and really made a statement as they beat Romania 5-0.
Everyone who is anyone in Serbia was there, including the President of Serbia, Boris Tadic. Feeling a surge or pride for his country, he decided to raise his glass and toast the team of the moment. Unfortunately for him, there is a law banning all alcohol in any stadium in Serbia, and he was nabbed by the champagne police. Okay, he wasn’t really nabbed, but he was summoned and had to plead guilty in a Serbian court. He claimed he was unaware that it was illegal, and took full responsibility for his actions. He was fined €400 for the toast.
Do you think an exception should have been made for the Serbian President?
I have to give him credit for taking responsibility for his actions, but it is a law of his own country. A country that he leads. Doesn’t the president have staff to make sure he doesn’t make mistakes like that?
Well I think they should have given him a break.. but also it is nice to know that some countries don’t shy away from prosecuting their own leaders, regardless of the “crime.” Countless leaders in history have gotten away with murder based soley on their political status!
the reality of the situation seems to be that there are laws that humans have to follow whether we agree with them or not. this being the case, i can not imagine why any one person who breaks this law should be excused based on their job (being the president is a job, working at McDonalds is a job too).