Croatian FA: “We condemn the events – Significant damage to the country’s reputation”

What happened yesterday in New Philadelphia condemns the Croatian Football Federation with a relevant announcement issued by it. In it, she speaks of significant damage to the country’s reputation and expresses her deepest sorrow for the death of the AEK fan.

In detail what the relevant announcement states:

“A collision with fatal consequences took place on the night of Monday to Tuesday in Athens between members of the fans of Dinamo and AEK.

The Croatian Football Association is closely following the events in Athens where, according to confirmed information so far, one Greek national was killed and several other fans were seriously injured. After violent clashes, several people were arrested.

The Croatian Football Association categorically condemns this kind of violence and expresses its deep regret for this incident involving Croatian citizens. Unfortunately due to the hooligans (at least) one human life was lost and the federation expresses its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased Greek citizen.

The hooligans caused significant damage to the reputation of Croatia, the city of Zagreb and Dinamo, as well as all the fans in Croatia who support their clubs in the right way.

In the context of the preparations for the matches AEK – Dinamo and PAOK – Hajduk, the Croatian Football Federation participated in the communication between the police and UEFA. UEFA took the decision to play the aforementioned matches without the presence of away fans due to the risk of clashes. Furthermore, the Croatian federation has no jurisdiction or mechanisms to prevent such incidents.

The federation will remain in close communication with UEFA and Dynamo regarding the events in Athens.”