The rally had been organised by opposition pro-democracy parties. But after Yugoslavia drew 2-2 against neighbouring Croatia in a crunch football match, fans went wild in the capital.

Many set off firecrackers and lit red and yellow flaming torches. Other fired bullets from automatic weapons in celebration.

Hundreds of fans drove their cars through the streets of Belgrade, blowing their horns and cheering. They were joined by thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators who had gathered as part of nightly rallies against the government.

The mood was distinctly patriotic as the demonstrators mixed with the fans, holding up scarves and chanting "Serbia! Serbia!" and "Slobo Go Away".

Earlier, the demonstrators and fans had collected in front of a giant video screen in a city square, put up by pro-democracy parties, to watch the game.