Masked gang attacks Dutch rugby players in Belgrade bar, 2 hurt
About ten masked men stormed a cafe terrace in central Belgrade overnight and injured 2 Dutch rugby internationals, Serbian media reported.
A group of about ten masked men stormed the terrace of a cafe in central Belgrade's Cetinjska Street overnight, injuring 2 Dutch rugby internationals who were guests at the venue, Serbian media reported, citing witnesses. The attackers smashed tables and chairs, destroying the venue's furniture, before fleeing.
Police and paramedics were called to the scene and treated the injured players, according to Radio Sarajevo and Index.hr. Investigators have questioned witnesses and staff and are reviewing security-camera footage from the street and nearby buildings to identify the attackers, who remain at large.
Witnesses said the attack was sudden and happened without any prior altercation or dispute, with the masked group running into the crowded terrace and smashing furniture at random, causing panic among guests. Prosecutors are investigating the circumstances and motive, including whether the Dutch players were deliberately targeted or caught up in random violence, police said.
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What we know
- 2+ outlets · Radio Sarajevo, Index.hr A group of about ten masked men attacked a cafe terrace in Belgrade's Cetinjska Street overnight, injuring 2 Dutch rugby internationals, Serbian media reported.
- 2+ outlets · Radio Sarajevo, Index.hr The attackers smashed furniture and fled before police arrived; the injured players received medical treatment at the scene.
- 2+ outlets · Radio Sarajevo, Index.hr Police are reviewing security-camera footage and questioning witnesses to identify the attackers, who have not been found.
- 2+ outlets · Radio Sarajevo, Index.hr Investigators have not yet determined whether the Dutch players were deliberately targeted.
How each fact is established: Verified checked by an ECTV editorOfficial stated by an official body2+ outlets reported independently by two or more news organisations1 outlet reported by a single news organisation so farUnconfirmed claimed or reportedHow we label facts
Figure history
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Why it matters for Europe
The attack on visiting foreign athletes is likely to draw scrutiny from the Dutch rugby federation and from Serbian authorities over security in Belgrade's nightlife districts, and comes as the capital also hosts a large student rally ahead of this weekend's snap parliamentary elections.
Sources
Reported by 4 reports from 4 independent outlets in 4 countries.
- Euronews: Serbia: Student protesters flood Belgrade ahead of snap elections
- Radio Sarajevo: Napad u centru Beograda: Grupa huligana napala reprezentativce Holandije
- Index.hr: Maskirani muškarci upali u kafić u Beogradu. Ozlijeđena dvojica nizozemskih sportaša
- Kurir: SAZNAJEMO: Mateju A. iz Vrnjačke Banje određen pritvor do 30 dana jer je pozivao i planirao učešće u nemirima u Beogradu na izborni dan
Source balance
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Questions and answers
- What happened in Belgrade?
- A group of about ten masked men attacked a cafe terrace in Cetinjska Street, injuring 2 Dutch rugby internationals, Serbian media reported.
- Have the attackers been identified?
- No; police are reviewing security-camera footage and questioning witnesses, but the attackers remain at large.
- Were the Dutch players deliberately targeted?
- Investigators have not yet determined whether they were a deliberate target or caught up in random violence, police said.
This article was written with AI assistance from 4 verified reports and checked under the ECTV editorial policy. Spotted an error? Request a correction.