Derby ends goalless

Partizan's faithful have been boycotting the club since their elimination from the Champions league third qualifying round in September while the bulk of Red Star's supporters walked out at halftime.

Red Star fans were unhappy with a security decision not to allow any banners in the stadium and kept their pre-match promise to leave in protest at the break.

Partizan substitute Zoran Mirkovic was sent off the bench early on after a touchline incident involving the linesman while his team mate Nisa Saveljic smashed a bucket when he was substituted four minutes from time.

The result left Red Star seven points ahead of champions Partizan with six matches remaining.

Red Star manager Water Zenga was happy with his team's performance and the result.

"It was important for us to stay seven points clear at the top and we achieved our basic goal. There were plenty of chances at both ends and I think it was a very good match," he told reporters.