May 29 – Jose Boto, sports director of Croatia’s NK Osijek, has had his car fired upon in Osijek. Fortunately, Boto was not in the car, at the time parked in a public parking lot.
Seven bullets pierced the car’s windshield.
Initially, the club reported an incident involving Boto without revealing any details. Subsequently, however, Boto revealed more details on his social networks.
“We are appalled by this incident! The management of the Club and all employees hereby express their full support to our sports director Jose Bota, and we ask everyone who has any information about this unpleasant event to contact the police. NK Osijek will not issue additional statements while the investigation is ongoing, so that the competent authorities can carry out their work unhindered,” read a club statement.
Botо, who was at home in Portugal when his car was shot at, was adamant that attempts to intimidate him will not succeed and he will continue to work in Osijek.
He arrived at the Croatian club in January, having previously had spells at Benfica, Shakhtar Donetsk and PAOK. While he was head of scouting at Benfica, he discovered players such as Angel Di Maria, Axel Witsel, Nemanja Matić, David Luiz, Jan Oblak, and Ederson.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks for the overwhelming support I have received following the recent incident involving my car. The outpouring of concern and solidarity from both the club and our dedicated fans has been truly humbling and greatly appreciated during this challenging time,” said Boto.
“Your messages and gestures of support have reaffirmed my belief in the strength and unity of our community. It is in moments like these that the true spirit of our club shines through, and I am deeply grateful to be a part of it.… I have full confidence in the police and their ability to thoroughly investigate this matter and bring those responsible to justice. I trust that they will resolve this situation swiftly and ensure the safety of all involved.”
The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) also condemned the incident, saying that it will “provide maximum support to Mr. Boto and the club after this deeply disturbing incident, and through communication with the competent authorities, we will emphasize the importance of solving this case in order to send a strong message that Croatian society is safe and that messages like this and crimes absolutely unacceptable and inadmissible.”
Contact the writer of this story, Aleksander Krassimirov, at moc.l1725755165labto1725755165ofdlr1725755165owedi1725755165sni@o1725755165fni1725755165