A FORMER Premier League star was allegedly beaten in a restaurant toilet after helping his team win a key match.
Filip Krovinovic, 28, remains a firm favorite West Brom supporters after being on loan there from 2019.
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Nowadays he plays again Croatia after rejoining Hajduk Split three summers ago.
The midfielder helped them to a crucial 5-2 win over NK Lokomotiva on Saturday.
However, just hours later he was brutally attacked as he met friends for dinner in Zagreb after the match.
Three men allegedly punched and kicked Krovinovic to the ground in the restaurant's toilets before running away, leaving him injured and bruised.
Police in the capital have confirmed to several Croatian news media that they have opened an investigation.
A statement of Hajduk Split announced news of the vicious attack.
It said: “Filip Krovinovic was attacked by a group of rival fans.
“He was the target of a physical attack after leaving Kranjcevic Stadium for the sole reason that he plays for Hajduk.
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“We condemn this barbaric act. We hope the authorities investigate and punish those involved.
“This has nothing to do with sporting rivalry. We must emphasize that Filip did not provoke the attack.
“His aggressors attacked him in a group when they felt this was an opportune moment.
“It is just pure luck that Krovinovic did not suffer more serious consequences.”
Krovinovic was loaned to West Brom for eighteen months and helped them gain promotion from the Championship.
He made 11 top-flight appearances for the Baggies before Benfica recalled him in January 2021.
The ace left the Hawthorns after 55 appearances and three goals.
Krovinovic then joined Nottingham forest on another loan, making 19 appearances before returning home to join Hajduk.
The star, who represented his country at U21 level, came through Lokomotiva's academy before joining Zagreb rivals Dinamo in 2007.
He also played for Portuguese side Rio Ave between 2015 and 2017.
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