Ahead of the Europa League Playoff second - leg match against Everton FC in Split, a meeting was held today at Poljud regarding the match organization, focusing on the security aspect related to the away supporters. The Mayor of Split, Andro Krstulovic Opara, the President of the Board of HNK Hajduk Ivan Kos with his associates, the Chief of Split-Dalmatia Police Department Slobodan Marendic and Sarina Kalebota from the British Consulate in Split participated the meeting. It was held at the invitation of Hajduk, all for the purpose of taking all the necessary steps so that the match on Thursday gets organized at the highest level in terms of security, for which cooperation of all sides is needed:
"Split is an open, tourist city and our citizens, tourism employees, caterers and all services have experience with such events because of Ultra Europe Music Festival and because of international matches that take place every year, which thanks to Hajduk are part of our city tourism offer. A very large number of English tourists, perhaps a record one, is staying in our city this year without problems of any kind, and we consider away supporters our guests as well. We are aware of the possible tensions among supporters that can always appear on the day of the match. Hajduk, the police and the City of Split are in constant contact and we will all do everything from our sides so secure that this match goes well. We should not allow that isolated incidents and provocations influence the reputation of our city. I invite all of our citizens to welcome the guests from Liverpool and the guests to enjoy in Split and to respect the laws and follow the instructions of the organizers" said Andro Krstulovic Opara, the Mayor of Split.
President Kos stressed that the club will do everything to ensure the match runs smoothly.
"We will have a sold out, crowded stadium on Thursday, of which over 1200 away supporters and we want to do everything from our side, as we do for all our home game so far, to ensure that the match runs in the best order. I would like to thank the Mayor, Chief of Police and Mrs Kalebota for having joined us today at one of the series of organizational meetings that we had and that are related to the match against Everton FC" said Ivan Kos, President of the Board.
Slobodan Marendic, Chief of Split - Dalmatia Police Department has called everyone to respect the law.
"We have experience in organizing international matches and there is no reason for concern. We have gladly joined this meeting with Hajduk, we are actively cooperating at this and all the other meetings that we have had before, but this game is no different for us in terms of organization and safety than other international matches that have been played in Split in the previous years. All citizens and supporters, both home and visiting, are invited to comply with the law and respect the instructions that we will communicate together with Hajduk and the City of Split in the coming days, through the means of public announcements. We will make additional efforts to ensure that guests are timely informed, so that their stay in Split could be as enjoyable as possible".
Sarina Kalebota of the British Consulate in Split has offered the assistance of the British Consulate to all parties for any questions and additional information.
