Fortuna Sittard in Turmoil: Luka Tunjic Hires Lawyer After Danny Buijs’ Public Slam
A public war of words has erupted at Fortuna Sittard, leaving the Eredivisie club grappling with a high-profile rift between head coach Danny Buijs and midfielder Luka Tunjic. What began as a pre-match briefing regarding player availability has spiraled into a legal battle, with Tunjic hiring legal counsel to protect his reputation following “shocking” accusations from his manager.
The conflict centers on Tunjic’s sudden absence from the squad ahead of a critical fixture against NAC Breda. Whereas the coach painted a picture of a player abandoning his obligations for potential opportunities abroad, the midfielder claims he is battling a severe injury that necessitates surgery.
The Spark: Buijs’ Public Accusations
The tension became public just before Fortuna Sittard’s clash with NAC Breda. During a pre-match briefing, Danny Buijs did not mince words regarding Tunjic’s absence, suggesting the midfielder had effectively walked away from the team without warning.
“Tunjic has pulled out of nowhere,” Buijs told reporters, expressing confusion over the player’s sudden unavailability. The coach highlighted that Tunjic had been a regular in training and competitive matches in the weeks leading up to the incident, making the abrupt withdrawal particularly jarring.
Buijs went further, speculating that the midfielder’s departure was linked to ongoing contract disputes and a possible move to Germany. “He’s been training and playing for the past few weeks, then suddenly he says he can’t train or play anymore. And off he goes,” Buijs explained, framing the situation as a breach of professional commitment.
The Rebuttal: A ‘Shocking’ Misrepresentation
Luka Tunjic did not stay silent. Taking to Instagram to address the claims, the midfielder described the coach’s television interview as “shocking” and insisted that the narrative presented to the public was fundamentally incorrect.
In a detailed statement, Tunjic revealed that he has been suffering from a severe groin injury for several weeks. According to the player, this condition was officially confirmed by an Arbo doctor. Tunjic asserts that Fortuna Sittard was fully informed of his absence since the previous Thursday, as he required urgent medical consultations.
The midfielder further clarified that the club is in possession of a medical certificate issued by a specialist, which remains valid until the conclude of April 2026. Tunjic also noted that he has a written referral to a groin surgeon, stating that surgery has become “unavoidable.”
For those unfamiliar with the Dutch medical system in sports, an Arbo doctor is a specialized occupational health physician who manages work-related health and fitness for employees, providing a layer of official medical verification that typically carries significant weight in employment disputes.
Legal Escalation and Reputational Damage
Tunjic has viewed Buijs’ comments not just as a misunderstanding, but as a direct attack on his professional integrity. He characterized the claim that he simply failed to show up as “incorrect and completely unacceptable” for his reputation.
Tunjic has formally retained a lawyer to protect his rights and prevent further damage to his name. This move transforms a typical locker-room disagreement into a legal matter, potentially complicating the player’s future with the club.
Impact on the Pitch
While the drama unfolded off the field, Fortuna Sittard faced NAC Breda in a match where a win could have pushed the club into eleventh place in the Eredivisie standings. The match ultimately ended in a 1-1 draw, a result that failed to provide the momentum the club sought amidst the internal chaos.
Tunjic has been a relevant figure in the squad this season, having made 16 appearances in the Eredivisie. His potential absence for a prolonged period—especially if surgery is required—could leave a void in the midfield that Buijs will have to fill while simultaneously managing a fractured relationship with one of his players.
The club, based in the municipality of Sittard-Geleen, is currently operating under the leadership of Chairman Jos van de Mortel and is owned by a consortium including Principion Holding and Özgür Işıtan Gün.
Key Details of the Dispute
| Perspective | Primary Claim | Alleged Reason | Action Taken |
|---|---|---|---|
| Danny Buijs | Player abruptly abandoned the team | Contract disputes / Move to Germany | Public criticism in media |
| Luka Tunjic | Absence is medically mandated | Severe groin injury requiring surgery | Hired legal counsel |
As of now, the club has not issued a formal joint statement to reconcile the two opposing accounts. With Tunjic’s medical certificate valid through late April, his immediate return to the pitch seems unlikely, regardless of the outcome of the legal dispute.
The next critical checkpoint for the club will be their upcoming Eredivisie fixtures, where the focus must shift back to league stability and whether the club’s administration can mediate a truce between the coach and the player.
Do you think a coach should be allowed to speculate on a player’s transfer motives publicly, or should medical privacy always take precedence? Let us recognize in the comments.
