Croatian football player availability and derby preparations

Key players in the Croatian football league are facing absences ahead of major upcoming matches. Hajduk Split captain Marko Livaja is expected to miss the Adriatic Derby against Rijeka due to illness, alongside the unavailability of players Ivusić and Brajković.

In a separate development affecting the league standings, Dinamo Zagreb captain Josip Mišić has been confirmed to miss the critical derby against Hajduk Split on October 10 at Poljud. His absence follows a direct red card received in the 69th minute of a match against Lokomotiva, after he directed verbal insults toward referee Patrik Kolarić. Official match reports indicate Mišić used profanity, specifically stating, ‘Puši mi k. . . . , smrade jedan smrdljivi.’

While reports on the SuperSport HNL official website initially fluctuated regarding the suspension length, the penalty was later updated from one match to two. However, inconsistencies remain on the official platform regarding the final number of matches to be served. Under Article 52 of the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) disciplinary regulations, unsporting behavior involving insults toward a referee can result in suspensions ranging from two to ten matches. Precedents involving players such as Leon Belcar, Ivan Leko, and Franko Andrijašević suggest bans of three to five matches for comparable conduct.

Former elite referee Damir Skomina has supported the dismissal as a necessary measure to maintain professional standards. Adding to the pre-match uncertainty, the officiating assignment for the high-stakes derby remains undecided. Head of referees Bertrand Layec is reportedly facing difficulties selecting a suitable official due to international commitments and previous controversies involving other candidates.