ONE DEAD AFTER EURO FINAL IN WATER POLO 16/6/2003
Right before the first swim-up in the duel of the two neighbour countries here at Kranj outdoor-pool it was obvious that there was a serious problem. Security forces were in position, but it was obviously that they not prepared to face the serious problem. Quite a number of fans had come from Croatia (a journey to Zagreb only takes one and half hour), and many of them already entered the venue without permission. Other fans were sitting on the roofs of small buildings around the pool-side.
Hungary's bronze medal winners had already left the pool-sides before the game. A presentation before the game did not take place, just the line-ups were announced. According to first impression news Slovak referee Vlastimil Kratochvil was hit during the regular playing team by a projectile and marginally injured, but he went on. At the half-time Serbian supporters, which mere a minority here togight, entered the venue and went on the press gallery directly, but behaved well. For safety reasons the first journalist at the press gallery were already leaving before the final whistle, and they did a wise decision.
A few seconds before the end the riots at main gallery, where the majority of Croatian fans stayed during the match. According to first news the riots were caused by Croatian football hooligans. Seats were broken out of the anchoring to be thrown in the pool and later in the direction of the Serbian bench. Some people were injured; a part of the journalists and supporters were caught on the galleries for security reasons for almost half an hour. Some of them, including the author, were nevertheless hit by stones. A victory ceremony did not take place any more for security reasons. One person fall down from the press gallery, was seriously injured and died later in a hospital.
