Croatian footballer reports racist abuse and threats from own fans

Croatian footballer Fran Tomek has spoken out against racist abuse and threats he received from his own club's fans. The 24-year-old, who plays for NK Koper in Slovenia, detailed the disturbing incident on social media.

Tomek, a former Dinamo Zagreb player, stated that fans targeted him with nationalist insults, calling him a "ustaša" (a term associated with Croatian fascists) and threatening his family. This occurred after the team's disappointing performance, including their exit from the Conference League qualifiers and a recent league draw.

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Yesterday I experienced something that has nothing to do with football. Our 'fans' insulted me based on my nationality. They called me a ustaša and insulted my family. I also received certain threats.

"Yesterday I experienced something that has nothing to do with football," Tomek wrote. "Our 'fans' insulted me based on my nationality. They called me a ustaša and insulted my family. I also received certain threats." He stressed that poor results on the field should never justify hate speech or threats.

"For the last two years I have been in Koper, I have always given my maximum, regardless of problems and various injuries," Tomek added. "All criticism is always welcome, but there is no place for hatred and threats in football." The club faces a tough away match against Maribor this weekend, seeking to overcome their current crisis.

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Poor results never justify hate speech and threats. For the last two years I have been in Koper, I have always given my maximum, regardless of problems and various injuries. All criticism is always welcome, but there is no place for hatred and threats in football.