After Hajduk fans set fire to seats in the away section, NK Varaždin posted photos of the damage and stated that this is the best response to criticisms about ticket prices and 'nonexistent riots.'
NK Varaždin has responded sharply to the Torcida fan group after seats were set on fire and club property was destroyed in the away section of the stadium in Varaždin, following the end of the first-round SuperSport HNL match in which Hajduk was defeated 2:1. The club posted photos of the damage on social media and delivered a clear message.
The tension between the two clubs had been simmering for days before the match. Torcida called for a boycott of the away fixture, criticizing the hosts for high ticket prices, poor sanitary conditions, and the fencing off of the away section. In a sharp statement, Hajduk's fans labeled Varaždin a "political pawn."
Despite the tense atmosphere, Varaždin decided to lower the ticket price for away fans. According to Telegram.hr, the original price of 18 euros, plus a 1.50 euro surcharge, was reduced to 10 euros in an effort to ease tensions. Following this move, Torcida called off the boycott and showed up in the stands.
The match, played on August 3, 2026, was uncertain until the very end. In the 90th minute, Hajduk's Marko Livaja missed a penalty that would have earned his team a point. After the match, Hajduk players gathered at the center circle to acknowledge their fans, but shortly thereafter, a fire broke out in the away section. Flames and smoke engulfed the seats, and according to Sportklub, firefighters had to intervene on the pitch.
The day after the match, NK Varaždin issued an official statement on social media, attaching photos of the destroyed section. The post directly addressed Torcida's days-long criticisms.
"For days, the problem was sought in ticket prices, security measures, and 'nonexistent riots.' Despite everything, the Club decided to lower the ticket price for away fans in order to ease tensions and ensure the match took place in a sporting atmosphere. Unfortunately, after the match, the away section was left with burned seats, destroyed club property, and material damage amounting to thousands of euros. Gentlemen, the answer to the question of what determines ticket prices, as well as to the claim of 'nonexistent riots,' can be found in these photos," the club wrote.
During the match, Torcida had already unfurled a banner with a message about "repression under the guise of security," referring to the fencing off of the away sector.
Sportske novosti reports that the question now arises as to whether the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) will initiate disciplinary proceedings against Hajduk due to the material damage caused.
