Match in Split postponed due to attack on Serbian water polo players

(Patria) - Officials of the Water Polo Federation of Serbia (VSS) and the Red Star Water Polo Club announced that they will request enhanced security measures for the visits of Serbian clubs and the national team to Croatia following Saturday's attack on Red Star water polo players in Split, HRT reported.

"We will request increased security measures. To assume that everything will be fine, we are not sure...", said VSS Director Đorđe Đorđević at a press conference.

VSS and VK Red Star President Viktor Jelenić emphasized that it was not a clash between fan groups, but that the players of one club were attacked.

"Red Star water polo players were not in club attire. The waiter recognized the crest under his jacket, which did not have Red Star markings. An unpleasant conversation with the waiter followed, after which the players wanted to move to another cafe," said Jelenić.

He stated that the water polo players were then physically attacked, and that the goalkeeper Aleksandar Kralj, who was forced to jump into the sea while fleeing the attackers, was saved from serious injuries by well-meaning Split residents.

"The players, not the fans... A catastrophe," Jelenić added.

Due to the attack, the match against Mornar, which was scheduled to be played at 8:30 PM, was postponed.

"This year, the unofficial youth world championship is being played in Dubrovnik. Now the question is whether clubs from Serbia will play," said the VSS Director.