Two masked assailants with telescopic batons ambushed him this morning on Wilsonova Street in Osijek while he was running. Pejin told 24sata that he is not seriously injured and hopes the police will find the perpetrators.
Tihomir Pejin, a former football referee, current VAR official, and director of Osijek Airport, was attacked this morning in Osijek. Two masked men intercepted him on Wilsonova Street and inflicted injuries with telescopic batons. Pejin confirmed the attack to 24sata but emphasized that he did not sustain serious injuries.
According to the Osijek police report, the beaten 43-year-old man was found on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 7 a.m., lying on the road on Wilsonova Street. Officers provided first aid, after which he was transported by ambulance to Osijek University Hospital Center for further treatment.
As DalmacijaDanas learns, Pejin runs a route every morning that passes through Wilsonova Street, near the old Osijek stadium, Gradski Vrt. It was there that the two attackers, clearly familiar with his routine, lay in wait. Witnesses, residents of the street, recounted that the men were masked, one rode a scooter and wore a motorcycle helmet, while the other ran after Pejin with a mask on his face. When they caught up to him, they pulled out telescopic batons and began striking him.
Pejin fell to the ground from the force of the blows, and the attackers continued kicking him. The assault lasted only a few seconds, until a car appeared on the road, and the driver honked the horn, alerting neighbors. The attackers then fled. Residents immediately rushed to help the injured Pejin, who was conscious at the time, and called emergency services and the police.
"I don't know why I was attacked, nor who attacked me, and I hope the police will find the perpetrators," Pejin briefly told 24sata.
Tihomir Pejin holds a master's degree in economics and is a member of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ). He worked as a football referee for 25 years, officiated in the Croatian first league, and was a European referee. He is currently part of the refereeing organization responsible for decisions in the VAR room. Last year, he was appointed director of Osijek Airport.
Whether the motive for the attack is linked to football, his professional role, or something else remains unknown at this time. A police investigation is underway, and an intensive search for the perpetrators is in progress.
