Former International Referee Tihomir Pein Attacked Near Osijek Stadium in Croatia

Tihomir Pein, a former international football referee and current VAR official, was assaulted on the street near the old stadium in Osijek, Croatia. The incident occurred while Pein was out for a morning run when two masked individuals stopped him and attacked. Local residents witnessed the attack and attempted to intervene, but the assailants managed to flee the scene. Paramedics treated Pein at the location. Pein expressed confusion over the motive, stating, "I have no idea why they attacked me, I don't know who they are, I hope they get caught."

Pein has officiated several international matches, including European qualifying games involving Israeli teams such as Hapoel Be'er Sheva in the 2019/20 Europa League qualifiers and Maccabi Tel Aviv in the 2017/18 season. He also refereed the Israeli Under-17 national team during the 2018 European Championship. The attack has caused a stir in Croatia and the football community familiar with his work.