HNS Strongly Condemns Attack on Referee Pejin
Former top-flight referee and current VAR official Tihomir Pejin was attacked on Friday morning in Osijek, with the Federation urging institutions to swiftly find the perpetrators.
Former top-flight referee and current VAR official Tihomir Pejin was attacked on Friday morning in Osijek, with the Federation urging institutions to swiftly find the perpetrators.
The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) has strongly condemned the physical attack on football referee Tihomir Pejin, which occurred on Friday morning in Osijek. Pejin, a former top-flight referee who currently serves as a VAR official, was attacked while jogging on Wilsonova Street, near the Gradski Vrt stadium.
According to information confirmed by HNS, Pejin was physically assaulted by two unknown masked individuals. Following the attack, the referee received immediate medical attention at the scene and was then transported to the Osijek University Hospital Center for further treatment. Fortunately, according to initial reports, Pejin did not sustain serious injuries.
In an official statement released at 1:54 PM, HNS sent a clear message of zero tolerance for violence. "Regardless of the motives and circumstances that the competent authorities will establish, the Croatian Football Federation strongly condemns any form of violence. There is no justification, nor can there be, for a physical attack on any individual," the Federation's statement reads.
HNS also urged the relevant institutions to determine all circumstances of this incident, identify the perpetrators, and take appropriate legal measures. The Federation expressed full support for Pejin and wished him a swift and full recovery, highlighting his current role as a video assistant referee.
