Mišković Slams Post-Match Criticism After Dramatic Rijeka Victory Over Hajduk
Rijeka president Damir Mišković has vehemently responded to criticism leveled at referee Patrik Kolarić following his team’s 3-2 quarterfinal victory over Hajduk Split in the SuperSport Croatian Football Cup. The match, played on March 4, 2026, at Rujevica Stadium, was marked by late drama and controversial officiating decisions, sparking a furious reaction from the Hajduk camp.
Speaking to Sportski Novosti from abroad, Mišković questioned the validity of the complaints, stating, “Hajdukovci are furious with the referee? I’m reading this and I can’t believe it, did we even watch the same match?” His comments underscore the deep-seated animosity between the two Croatian football giants and highlight the intense scrutiny surrounding officiating in high-stakes matches.
Controversial Incidents Fuel Debate
The core of the controversy centers around two incidents in the opening 20 minutes of the match. In the 17th minute, Ante Rebić of Hajduk was involved in an off-the-ball incident where he struck an opponent with his elbow. Many observers, including Mišković, believe this warranted a straight red card. Just three minutes later, Raci, also of Hajduk, brought down Rijeka’s Adu-Adjei as the last defender, denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Again, a red card was not issued.
Mišković believes that had Kolarić shown those red cards, the complexion of the match would have been drastically altered. He also pointed to the role of VAR official Ivan Matić, suggesting he should have intervened to advise Kolarić to issue the dismissals. “If the decisions had been different, Rijeka would have had a numerical advantage early in the match and a significantly easier path to the semi-finals,” Mišković reportedly told Sportski Novosti.
The match ultimately went to extra time, with Rijeka securing a 3-2 victory. Though, the focus after the game quickly shifted to the officiating, with Hajduk players and officials vocally expressing their dissatisfaction. Gonzalo Garcia and Ante Rebić were particularly critical of Kolarić’s performance.
A Matter of Perspective?
While Hajduk supporters and players feel aggrieved by the decisions, others argue that the refereeing did not significantly impact the outcome. Some suggest that Kolarić may have attempted to balance the earlier non-calls later in the match, leading to a questionable penalty awarded to Rijeka and other debatable decisions against Hajduk.
Critics of Hajduk’s reaction point out that the team benefited from the missed red card opportunities in the first place. Had Kolarić been stricter early on, they argue, Hajduk might have been overwhelmed and the game could have been decided long before extra time. Ramiro Munoz, Rijeka’s assistant coach, adopted a diplomatic stance, stating, “I wouldn’t comment on the refereeing.”
Damir Mišković: A Profile
Damir Mišković, born on March 20, 1965, is a Croatian businessman and the chairman and owner of HNK Rijeka since 2012. According to Wikipedia, Mišković spent much of his early career working in the maritime industry, eventually moving to West Africa where he rose through the ranks of Orlean Invest Holding, a leading logistics corporation in the oil and gas industry. He rescued Rijeka from financial difficulties in 2012 and has since overseen a period of significant investment and development at the club.
Mišković’s outspoken nature and willingness to defend his club’s interests have made him a prominent figure in Croatian football. He frequently spends time in Dubai, London, and Africa due to his business interests.
What’s Next for Rijeka and Hajduk?
Rijeka will now advance to the semi-finals of the SuperSport Croatian Football Cup, where they will face [Opponent to be determined]. The semi-final draw is scheduled for [Date to be determined]. Hajduk, meanwhile, will need to regroup and focus on their league campaign, where they currently sit [League Position to be determined] in the Croatian First Football League. Their next match is against [Next Opponent to be determined] on [Date to be determined] at Poljud Stadium in Split.
The fallout from this fiery cup tie is likely to continue in the coming days, with further debate expected over the standard of officiating in Croatian football. The Croatian Football Federation may face calls for greater transparency and accountability in its refereeing appointments and performance evaluations.
What are your thoughts on the match and the controversy surrounding the refereeing decisions? Share your opinions in the comments below!
