24 & Gone

Unfortunately, the title has no connection whatsoever with Jack Bauer’s ever heroic exploits, but instead points to a story surrounding a young man who’s life tragically ended this thursday at 11:51 CET, as a result of a horrific accident which occurred on last saturday’s 1. HNL (1. Croatian League) match held between hosts Zadar and guests Cibalia (Vinkovci).

He was involved in a close-to-sidelines tackle which was sadly fast-paced and reckless enough to leave the young player unbalanced, crashing his back and head-colliding into a concrete wall situated only a few meters away from the pitch borderlines.

He was diagnosed with severe head injuries and skull fractures to which he ultimately subsided two days ago. Now i won’t go on ranting about the fact that there was a concrete wall there in the first place, as this would inevitably produce an unhealthy dose of politics and anti-corruption talk. Instead I’ll just say that a lot of questions are being asked and a lot of fingers are pointed around as to who’s to blame for this tragedy.

Yet as always, these things somehow mean too little and come far too late.
In conclusion, a 24 year old Hrvoje Custic will have his hometown jersey retired and a stadium bearing his name. Sincere condolences to Hrvoje’s family and friends. Rest in peace.