Austrian Footballer Apologizes for Throwing Beer Bottles at Mosque
Dejan Ljubicic, who plays for the Austrian side Rapid Vienna, was seen on CCTV along with another man pulling up in a car outside the mosque. The pair appear to hurl several bottles into the distance before running back towards the car and driving away.
According to a Bosnian newspaper Faktor, police in the small town of Kiseljak reported an act of vandalism at the mosque early next morning. Ljubicic and the other man were both arrested and the 20-year-old midfielder subsequently apologized on the football club’s official website.
“I don't know what came over me and can only apologize and give assurance that I am very sorry for this mistake,” Ljubicic said.
“I have also already apologized in person at the location and will naturally not only replace the damage done to the mosque's facade, but additionally make a donation to the local religious community.”
The club’s managing director, Fredy Bickel, meanwhile promised the player would be disciplined for his actions.
“Such behavior is absolutely inexcusable for a Rapid player, who should be aware of his great effect as a role model,” he said.
“We will also talk personally with Dejan Ljubicic on the matter after his return from leave, it is clear that there will also be a punishment from the club.
“Ljubicic is a young man who sincerely regrets his wrongdoing.
“It does not fit his character in any way, as his behavior has previously been exemplary one and off the field, and I am sure that in the future he will not attract the negative attention that is regrettably the case today.”
Ljubicic only broke into the Vienna first-team this season after a spell on loan at Austrian second division side Wiener Neustadt.
He has made 14 appearances in the T-Mobile Bundesliga this season, scoring two goals.
The midfielder has also been capped at youth level for Austria.
Source: The Independent
