Armada would never support such a national team; they said in a statement on Facebook today.
As most of us are aware, the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) moved the upcoming World Cup qualifying match between Croatia and Finland from City Garden in Osijek to Rujevica in Rijeka. One thing they could not move, however, is the atmosphere.
According to the latest statement by Rijeka’s fan group, Armada, the atmosphere at Rujevica could pose a problem as they have announced a boycott of the national team this Friday, reports 24 Sata on October 4, 2017.
“The only pride and glory left of the Croatian national football team are the names and the court proceedings of those who have privatized the national team for their interests. The Armada will never support such a team. We will not come, and we will not cheer,” announced the group’s official Facebook page.
On Friday, October 6, 2017, Croatia will face Finland in the penultimate qualifying match for World Cup 2018. HNS decided to switch the game from Osijek to Rijeka due to fears of bad weather and an unplayable pitch. In other words, HNS chose to avoid another disaster such as that against Kosovo at Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb last month.
“We did this for technical reasons. The discussion was long. The decision was not adopted unanimously, and against it was Ante Vučemilović, a representative from Osijek. I can immediately say that in the next qualifying cycle, one of the first domestic matches will be played in Osijek,” said HNS Chief Executive Damir Vrbanović.
While Osijek tried to provide the best conditions, HNS ultimately decided not to take such a risk with just two qualifying games left and no room for rematches.
“During UEFA’s inspection of the stadium in Osijek before the European League play-off, they noticed the stadium’s shortcomings. And we as HNS sent an inspection to Osijek. Coach Ante Čačić was also there, and it was clear that the pitch at City Garden was not in good condition. Rujevica has the best pitch right now. This is not a decision against Osijek. Davor Šuker was in Osijek yesterday and understands this decision,” said Vrbanović, who also announced that prices from 50 to 150 HRK at Rujevica are doing well.
Armada’s statement in full reads:
“The only pride and glory left of the Croatian national football team are the names and the court proceedings of those who have privatized the national team for their interests. Players without balls, morals and memory, puppet coaches, and the occasional residents of HNS’s prison, they certainly cannot represent Croatia while playing our national anthem. In light of everything presented, ARMADA will never give support to such a team. And this match of the national team – without ARMADA in the stands. There will be no organized cheering and this time we ask you please not to wear flags with the characteristics of our group. We would rather die than give up! HNS mafia!”
Translated from 24 Sata
