Blazevic suspended over referee row
Friday, March 8, 2002
Article summary
NK Osijek's new coach Miroslav Blazevic has been suspended after allegedly assaulting a referee.
Article body
Former Croatian national team coach Miroslav Blazevic has been suspended after clashing with a referee in his first game in charge of NK Osijek.
Eventful debut
Blazevic allegedly assaulted referee Ivan Novak after Osijek's 2-1 defeat against NK Dinamo Zagreb in his first game back in the Prva HNL since his surprise decision to take over at the club on 3 March.
Awaiting a ruling
The two referee's assistants have confirmed the allegations and the 67-year-old coach has now been suspended by the disciplinary committee of the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) pending a final judgement on how many games he will be banned for.
Threat to resign
Blazevic was furious about the decision and threatened to resign after only one game in charge of Osijek. He eventually calmed down and retracted his threat to quit. Osijek have endured a dismal season and were beaten 6-1 at home by NK Zagreb in the game before Blazevic took over.
