Violent fan riots overshadowed the Nations League match between Croatia and Poland in Osijek on Sunday evening.
Osijek (Croatia) – Wild brawls, mass pyrotechnics, dozens of arrests: nasty riots have marred the Nations League match between Croatia and Poland yesterday evening in Osijek. The police had their hands full.
Supporters of the Polish national football team set off pyrotechnics in the away section. © Damir Sencar/AFP
Supporters of both national football teams attacked each other after the match, engaging in skirmishes with the police in several places – and fighting among themselves.
It was only with great difficulty that the police managed to bring the situation under control. Dozens of people were temporarily arrested, officials reported on Sunday night.
According to an official statement, several dozen Polish supporters first attacked Croatian fans after the game at the Opus Arena and then clashed with the police.
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Only a short time later, there were renewed clashes between fan camps on both sides. The police had to intervene several times, showed no mercy and temporarily arrested dozens of people.
Riots between Croatian and Polish fans
He can still do it! Luka Modric (39) scored the 1-0 winning goal for the Croatians with a free kick in the 52nd minute. © Damir SENCAR / AFP
According to consistent media reports, riots had already broken out a few hours before kick-off. As the daily newspaper Morning paper revealed that around 6 p.m. a mob of about fifty Croatian supporters attacked a smaller group of Polish fans.
According to reports, the attack took place in the city centre – not far from the Osijek Hotel, where the Croatian national team was staying.
One person was reportedly slightly injured in the altercation and five people were arrested. There was also anger among fans during the match: a lot of pyrotechnics were set off in the away section, which led to the police arresting two people in the first half.
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By the way, there was still a game. Thanks to a wonderful free kick by superstar Luka Modrić (52nd minute), Croatia secured a 1-0 (0-0) win against Poland. The team led by captain Robert Lewandowski slipped to third place in Group One with the defeat.
