After the disgusting insults to the Croats, the big boss said: "Everyone in the club condemns it!"

A Croatian football player has publicly condemned racist abuse he received from fans of his club after poor results this season, prompting a strong response from the team's long-time president. Fran Tomek, a 24-year-old midfielder who plays for NK Koper, took to social media to denounce the treatment he faced, calling it unacceptable and unrelated to football. His comments sparked immediate attention both within Slovenia and across Croatia. Tomek described being insulted with national slurs, having his family disrespected, and receiving threats following a disappointing start to the season. He emphasized that poor performance should never justify hatred or intimidation. The incident reportedly occurred after Koper's exit from the Conference League qualifiers against NSÍ Runavíka from the Faroe Islands, which frustrated fans despite the team's initial three matches yielding two draws and one win. In an interview with the local sports portal Planet Nogomet, Tomek expressed disbelief at the situation, noting that he had endured criticism throughout his career but found the recent hostility shocking. He highlighted his commitment to the club over the past three seasons, including playing through injuries, and stressed that he did not deserve such treatment. His comments underscored the tension within the club environment, which he described as feeling like "a sea of night." The club responded swiftly to the controversy, with its long-serving president, Anto Guberac, addressing the issue directly. In a message to Koper supporters and sympathizers, Guberac accepted responsibility for the team’s recent struggles and acknowledged that while criticism is part of sports, there must be clear boundaries between constructive feedback and offensive language. He stated that everyone in the club condemns such behavior and urged fans to remember the positive achievements of previous seasons rather than letting recent results overshadow them. Guberac also expressed confidence in the team's future, predicting improved performance in upcoming matches, particularly highlighting the home game against Bravo in Maribor. He assured fans that their support would be crucial moving forward and confirmed ongoing discussions regarding new contracts with the coaching staff, indicating his trust in their work. The incident has brought into focus the challenges faced by athletes dealing with fan misconduct and the broader implications for club culture. While Tomek's experience highlights individual suffering, Guberac's response reflects institutional efforts to address such issues and maintain unity among players and supporters alike. The club's leadership appears determined to reinforce a sense of community and shared purpose, even amid current difficulties.