SPLIT, CROATIA – Although Crvena zvezda BC celebrated 67:62 in Split, virtually securing the coveted final four of the NLB league, the players and club heads will not fondly remember this performance, because a group of between 20 and 30 hooligans at the Air Port.

Information claims that the masked attackers threw stones and other objects at the Belgrade players. Of course, everyone was shocked and panicked, but nobody was seriously injured.

- Some 30 Torcida supporters group members waited for us at the Airport and threw stones, bottles and sharp objects at us. The worst thing is that the players were attacked as well, Andrew Owens was injured the worst, who has a cut under his knee – the Belgrade club confirmed for Javno news site, adding that they strictly condemn this event, but do not blame Split Basketball Club.

Belgrade is aware of tensions and points pit that they have not had any previous problems, that hooligans exist everywhere and that the clubs cannot fight them, just the police.

Injured persons were provided with medical help in Croatia

Split citizens share the same view, who do not want to interfere with the police and strictly distance themselves from the incident, while president Dino Radja apologised on behalf of the Split BC, pointing out he hopes the police will find the perpetrators.

- All we can say is that we are sorry such things happen and apologise on behalf of Split BC. We hope the police will find the perpetrators. We would love for such things to stop happening in the future – Radja said about the incident.

The police said the inquest was still underway and assess that 25 persons took part in the incident, whose faces were hidden with caps and scarves, while the surveillance cameras recorded the attack.

The hooligans forwarded a pelting of insults to the basketball players, based on national intolerance, while club management and the players scattered across the airport.

Andrew Leroy injured both his shins, while Miroslav Barac injured his finger. Everyone received medical assistance in Croatia.

Crvena Zvezda Basketball Players Attacked In Split