Football referee Tihomir Pejin beaten in Osijek
VAR official and Osijek Airport director assaulted on August 7; treated at KBC Osijek with non-life-threatening injuries.
Tihomir Pejin, a Croatian referee who works as a VAR official and also serves as director of Osijek Airport, was beaten in the city on the morning of Friday, August 7, 2026.
Police and emergency services found the 40-year-old man lying on a street after neighbours who witnessed the assault called for help and tried to assist him. He was taken to the Clinical Hospital Centre Osijek (KBC Osijek) where doctors determined he had not suffered serious injuries.
Witnesses said two masked men carried out the attack near the Gradski vrh stadium, the ground where NK Osijek play. One of the attackers was reported to have been riding an electric scooter.
Attackers used sticks and fled after a vehicle siren alerted neighbours
According to bystanders, the assailants produced sticks as they approached Pejin, struck him repeatedly and continued to kick him after he fell to the pavement. The attackers fled when the sound of a car siren drew attention from the surrounding neighbourhood.
Pejin told Croatian media: "I don't know why I was attacked, nor who attacked me, and I hope the police will find the attackers." Authorities have not released further details about suspects or motives as the investigation continues.
Photo: press material from the event
