Sports

35 Injured As Football Fans, Police Clash In Croatia

Published

4 years ago

May 22, 2022

A clash between police and hundreds of football fans in central Croatia left 35 people injured, most of whom were officers, officials said on Sunday.

Fighting broke out late Saturday as police escorted some 1,600 Hajduk Split “Torcida” fans returning home to the central coastal town of Split after a match against arch-rivals Dinamo Zagreb in the Croatian capital.

The clash happened after the convoy suddenly stopped, blocked the Zagreb-Split highway traffic and several hundred fans attacked officers, police official Damir Baric told reporters.

At least two Hajduk Split hardcore fans sustained wounds from officers’ firearms but the injuries were not life-threatening, police said.

“The attack was carried out in a rather aggressive way, with bottles, stones, chains, tables, fire extinguishers… torches”, Baric said.

As fans refused to obey police orders, officers fired several shots into the air and the road as a warning to stop, he said.

According to Zagreb police head Marko Rasic, police believe the two fans sustained ricochet gunshot injuries.

Noble wants fans return to stadium
A total of 20 officers were wounded and police arrested 43 fans so far.

Hajduk Split fans who travelled to Zagreb for the match eventually did not attend as they were not allowed to bring in banners and other props.

Authorities closed the section of the road where the clash took place to traffic overnight and Sunday morning.

Dinamo Zagreb had already secured the national league title before winning Saturday’s game, the last in this season’s national championship, 3-1.

Hajduk Split was the runner-up.

Croatia is known for the success of its national team but also for its hooligans who are among Europe’s most notorious.

AFP.

Sports

EPL: ‘Go For Alvarez’ – Paul Merson Hands Arsenal Two Signings To Make

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

Arsenal legend, Paul Merson, has handed his old club two signings to make in the summer.

Merson wants Arsenal to sign Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez and a new midfielder.

“I would get a centre forward this summer, I would go for Julian Alvarez,” Merson said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast.

“I am a big fan. If they could get him, I would. I still think they probably need another midfield player as well.”

Arsenal is expected to bolster its squad in the summer after winning the Premier League title ahead of Manchester City this season.

Sports

EPL: Wayne Rooney Picks Most Improved Player This Season

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney, has picked the Red Devils defender Luke Shaw as the most improved player in the Premier League following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.

Speaking on his BBC podcast, Rooney said, “I think, for me, Luke Shaw. I think Luke Shaw has been the most improved player this season.

“I know he is an experienced player now, but I think his level this season has been much better than it has been in recent seasons.

“People might look at Kobbie Mainoo but I don’t think he’s improved. It was just the fact he wasn’t playing under the former manager so it wasn’t good or bad.”

Shaw enjoyed one of his most consistent seasons at Man United and started all of Man United’s Premier League games.

Sports

EPL: Maresca Signs Three-year Contract To Replace Guardiola At Man City

Published

2 days ago

May 26, 2026

Editor

Former Chelsea and Leicester City manager, Enzo Maresca has signed a three-year contract with Manchester City.

Maresca will now replace Pep Guardiola, who took charge of his last game on Sunday – a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, wrote on X on Tuesday: “Enzo Maresca has already signed a three-year deal as Manchester City’s new manager.

“Agreement until June 2029 and new chapter to start soon at #MCFC, with Maresca fully involved in the transfer strategy.

“Here we go, 100% confirmed.”

Maresca has been out of work since he left Stamford Bridge in January this year and has snubbed offers while waiting for the City job.