November 17th holds profound significance in Czech history as the start of the Velvet Revolution in 1989, ultimately leading to the end of communist rule. Beyond the political upheaval, the seismic shifts of that period extended into all aspects of Czech life, including its vibrant football culture. This article recounts how players and supporters of Slavia Prague and Rudá Hvězda Cheb responded to the rapidly changing political landscape, culminating in a symbolic act of solidarity on the pitch just one week after the initial protests on Národní třída.
November 17, 2025, Redakce
November 17, 1989, is a date etched in the history of the Czech (Czechoslovak) nation, marking the beginning of events that led to freedom and democracy. Let’s look back at what unfolded at Eden Arena during that pivotal time.
November 17, 1989, fell on a Friday. The following day, Slavia Prague hosted Viktovice in a league match. The Red and Whites secured a 2-0 victory in the 11th round of play, while only those tuned into foreign broadcasts had fragmented reports of student demonstrations in Prague and the subsequent police intervention on Národní třída (National Street).
But a week later, on Saturday, November 25th, when Rudá Hvězda Cheb (Red Star Cheb) arrived at Eden Arena for a championship match, the atmosphere in the country had dramatically changed. The day before the game, Miloš Jakeš, the leader of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia, had been removed from power. Strikes were breaking out across nearly every sector, and the public demanded the same from athletes – to take a stand. To play, or not to play? A heated debate erupted within the football club, with Karel Báča, a recent committee member and now Chairman of the Football Association’s political-educational commission, and Bohumil Denemark, Chairman of the Communist Party within the Konstruktiva enterprise, arguing forcefully that the match must go ahead at all costs.
Ultimately, the decision rested with the players. The “Friends of Slavia” supporters group took the initiative, with its Bělá pod Bezdězem branch chairman, Miroslav Dlouhý, joining players from both teams to formulate a clear position: the game would not be played.
Both starting elevens, along with the match officials, entered the pitch and communicated their stance to the crowd. Both captains – Slavia’s Pavel Řehák and Rudá Hvězda Cheb’s Jaroslav Šilhavý (who would soon be joining Slavia) – signed a formal statement outlining their decision.
“Both teams came onto the field, we greeted each other, unfurled the national flag, and I spoke into the microphone. I said something along the lines of: ‘Dear fans, please excuse us, but due to the situation in the country and the events of November 17th on Národní třída, we will not be playing today’s match…’ The crowd rose to their feet, applauded, and everyone went home,” recalled Slavia captain Pavel Řehák.
Several players from both sides also took the opportunity to speak with the media on the pitch. Representing Slavia were Zdeněk Jánoš, Milan Šimůnek, Luděk Klusáček, and František Veselý mladší, while Alexander Vencel, Horst Siegl, and Marcel Litoš spoke for Rudá Hvězda – a club affiliated with the Ministry of Interior, and known for fielding players completing their mandatory military service.
The match was officially called off after the allotted waiting period. The match report included a request from both teams to set a new date for the fixture.
The rescheduled match finally took place on December 16th, with Slavia Prague winning 1-0.
