Dinamo Zagreb is in a crisis both on and off the pitch before of their match against Celtic, and off-field issues mean that Celtic fans travelling to Croatia may have a dreadful away day.
That’s because Borussia Dortmund is protesting to UEFA after fans claimed they were strip-searched and MANHANDLED before their game there. The Hoops travel to Croatia next month with the expectation that a win will almost guarantee their place in the knockout stage of the new competition. Fans will go in large numbers as usual, but be alert after Dortmund supporters complained of overzealous searches prior to their match, which the Germans won 3-0.
BVB had 2,500 fans in Zagreb, but they were surprised when Croatian security forces pushed them into tents erected up at the turnstiles, where they were instructed to strip completely to check for pyrotechnics or prohibited objects.
Fans reportedly complained about how local security personnel treated them, with male supporters stating that their “genitalia was forcibly grabbed by police and security staff” during the search, according to German media reports.
Dortmund fans were so incensed by their pre-match treatment that they pondered boycotting the game altogether before opting to attend the Maksimir Stadium.
The club has now issued a formal protest to UEFA. Sebastian Kehl, sports director, stated, “There was clearly a lot of unrest outside the stadium before the game.”
Dortmund subsequently issued a statement that read: “We have received several complaints concerning the security service’s behavior during the personal inspections during the entry phase. We oppose these types of checks and are currently working with UEFA and Dinamo Zagreb to report and examine the instances. Other concerned fans are encouraged to contact our fan relations.”
UEFA had already labeled the match as a high-risk event, but despite extensive searches prior to the game, Dortmund fans managed to put on a pyro spectacular in the second half. In terms of football, Dinamo manager Nenad Bjelica stated that he was obliged to play without a striker in the defeat to Dortmund due to their severe injury crisis, which could jeopardize their next Euro game…against Celtic.
Brendan Rodgers’ side faces Dinamo Zagreb next month, and they are in a strong position to make the play-offs, with Celtic in 20th place with eight points after five games. And Zagreb has severe injury issues, with manager Bjelica claiming to have only one fit striker in his squad after his side lost 3-0 at home to Dortmund, where he played with no designated strikers up front and a 5-5-0 shape.
He stated, “We were without Ivan Nevistic, Bruna Petkovic, Petr Sucic, Josip Misic, and Arijan Ademi, so I had to rely on 18-year-old midfielder Branko Pavic. We wanted to fight, and the boys gave it their all, but Dortmund dominated; they have a lot of quality.
“I needed to play without a striker. I tried to make the most of what we had, and the plan was to threaten on the counter-attack with the five midfielders, but it was difficult against a club who I believe will finish in the top eight. In my coaching experience, I’ve never been in a situation where I had to play without forwards. And none of the injured players are likely to return for the weekend.
“We need to win our next home game against Celtic, and I still feel we’ll be in the top 24 to qualify. Let us not forget that we are ahead of Real Madrid and PSG in the table.
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