Thousands of people gathered in central Zagreb on Monday to welcome Croatia’s men’s handball team after they won a bronze medal at the European Championship, in a celebration that quickly became entangled in a political dispute over the participation of controversial singer Marko Perković Thompson.
The reception, held on Ban Josip Jelačić Square, was organised by the Croatian government in cooperation with the Croatian Handball Federation (HRS) after the City of Zagreb withdrew from hosting the event over Thompson’s appearance.
The handball team arrived on stage shortly after 6:30 p.m., greeted by fans waving national flags, lighting flares and chanting. Players and coaching staff thanked supporters for their backing, with captain Ivan Martinović calling the medal “a reward for the team and the fans.”
National coach Dagur Sigurdsson also addressed the crowd, thanking supporters for their support throughout the tournament.
Later in the evening, Thompson took the stage alongside the band Hrvatske Ruže, performing several songs at the request of the players. Thompson praised the team for their determination and described them as “knights” who had brought pride to the country.
During his performance, a banner reading “United Against Fascism” was unfurled from one of the buildings overlooking the square, according to local media footage, highlighting the deep political divisions surrounding the event.
Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomašević had earlier barred Thompson from performing at venues controlled by the city, citing his past use of the slogan “Za dom spremni” (For the homeland, ready), a phrase associated with Croatia’s World War Two-era Ustasha regime. After the city refused to allow Thompson to perform, the Croatian Handball Federation said the official city-organised reception would be cancelled.
The government then stepped in, assuming responsibility for the event and approving it at a telephone session, prompting sharp criticism from the mayor, who described the move as an unconstitutional “state intrusion” into city affairs.
The government rejected those claims, saying it was responding to the wishes of the players and ensuring that a major sporting success was properly celebrated. Prime Minister Andrej Plenković did not attend the event.
The Croatian Handball Federation appealed for the celebration to remain focused on sport and called for unity, saying it did not wish the team’s success to be used for political confrontations.
European media, including France’s AFP, reported on the controversy, noting Thompson’s polarising status and the political dispute between the government and Zagreb city authorities.
Croatia’s team returned home early Monday morning after winning bronze at the championship hosted by Denmark, Sweden and Norway.