Police open investigation as ex-Premier League star beaten up in restaurant toilet as new club slam ‘barbarous attack’
A FORMER Premier League star was allegedly beaten up in a restaurant toilet after helping his team to win a key game.
Filip Krovinovic, 28, remains a big favourite with West Brom supporters following his loan spell there from 2019.
These days he is playing back in Croatia after rejoining Hajduk Split three summers ago.
THe midfielder helped them to secure a crucial 5-2 win at NK Lokomotiva on Saturday.
However, just hours later he was brutally attacked when he met pals for dinner in Zagreb after the game.
Three men reportedly punched and kicked Krovinovic to the floor in the restaurant toilets before running off leaving him cut and bruised.
Police in the capital city have confirmed to various Croatian news outlets that they have opened an investigation.
A statement from Hajduk Split announced news of the vile attack.
That read: “Filip Krovinovic was attacked by a group of rival fans.
“He was the target of a physical attack after leaving the Kranjcevic Stadium, with the only reason being that he plays for Hajduk.
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“We condemn this barbarous act. We hope the authorities investigate it and punish those involved.
“This has nothing to do with sporting rivalry. We must stress that Filip did not provoke the attack.
“His aggressors attacked him in a group when they felt it was a convenient moment.
“It is just pure luck that Krovinovic did not suffer more severe consequences.”
Krovinovic spent 18 months on loan to West Brom and helped them to win promotion from the Championship.
He played 11 top-flight games for the Baggies before Benfica recalled him in January 2021.
The ace departed the Hawthorns after 55 appearances and three goals.
Krovinovic then joined Nottingham Forest on another loan, making 19 appearances before heading back home to join Hajduk.
The star, who has represented his country at U21 level, came through Lokomotiva’s academy before joining Zagreb rivals Dinamo in 2007.
He has also previously played for Portuguese side Rio Ave between 2015-2017.
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