After numerous media reports and public reactions that followed in recent days, Tomislav Mrkonjić issued a personal statement in which he presents his side of the story and clarifies the circumstances of the recent incident.
In his address, he referred to the legal proceedings, the relationship towards M. Martinjak, but also to the wider context of the events that attracted a lot of public attention. He particularly emphasized the importance of calming tensions, rejected motives of material gain and called for humanity and understanding.
Below is his speech in full:
Dear friends, colleagues, acquaintances, media and everyone else who will read these words,
I am addressing you on this occasion numerous media inscriptions and public appearances which have aroused great public interest in recent days. I consider it my responsibility to present the facts, clarify certain circumstances, and look back on the information that appeared in the public space and caused an avalanche of negativity. I am aware the importance of transparencytherefore I want the whole public to get to know my position directly and without mediation.
- The process currently taking place against M. Martinjak has been conducted exclusively on official duty of the criminal state attorney’s office of the Republic of Croatia, who, based on the qualifications of my injuries by experts and the circumstances of the incriminating event, filed a criminal complaint against the defendant. I did not personally call the police, nor am I in any way authorized to stop the current proceedings against M. Martinjak, since I am the injured party in it, and the proceedings are conducted ex officio.
So, I did not personally file a lawsuit against M. Martinjak. - Despite the overwhelming negativity surrounding my name, insults, threats and attempts at intimidation that reach those closest to me, I do not feel, both at the moment of the act itself and now, any hatred, vindictiveness, nor do I wish any harm to M. Martinjak, and as an athlete and a man, I find understanding and completely forgive him for the incident that happened.
- I am asking M. Martinjak to remove the stain from my name in a way that he publicly admits that there was absolutely no reason for what happened on my part, and that there was absolutely no reason for what happened, and that not a single provocation was directed at him or any member of his team, as well as all the other participants of the tournament, both during the duration of our match and the entire final day, let alone swearing at his family.
- In accordance with the above, I will do everything possible to let M. Martinjak return to his everyday life as soon as possiblebe a father, partner, friend and finally an athlete who will represent the true values of sports in a way befitting a champion.
- I feel obliged to explain to you how against M. Martinjak has not been sued by me personally nor do I intend to raise it. My lawyer’s press statement was solely a consequence of public pressure, and false inscriptions and statements that appeared, and it was necessary for someone to deny them. She did not participate in this in any other way, nor did she file a lawsuit.
- Everyone who knows me knows that money has never represented the real value of my life, and that I have never been guided by material things. This also applies to this case. Therefore, in agreement with the team of M. Martinjak (lawyer, management, sponsors, etc.) for possible compensation for the damage done in any form (which I never asked for) I want to the money is donated for humanitarian purposes Association Krijesnica Zagreb (help for children and families facing malignant diseases), and in this way I want to show that this incident, which has gained too much momentum, can turn everything into something good.
- For all those who invested their efforts and were part of the “Goat League” story, and above all the organizers and friends of Klinček, I wish played the final exhibition match between the Sokol Hef and Supersport teams in a humanitarian, fun and sporting environment, where all the money spent on food and drink that day will also be donated to the Fireworks Association. Any other form of donation will also be possible, and I hope that all those who are amused by this situation and have the power to judge others through typing, spreading negative energy and spreading hatred will manage to find that other side in themselves and make the future better than our current social present, and try to give children at least one more smile on their faces and one less blow.
- Given the circumstances, the celebration or any form of festivity unfortunately did not happen that night, and the picture with the trophy in my hand that was created and started to be used as an object of mockery of my medical finding and a display of celebration – happened in the corridor, on the hospital bed where the boys came to visit me because, according to the expert opinion of the neurosurgeon, due to bleeding in the brain, I had to spend the night and morning under observation, and take two CT scans of the head, as well as an X-ray of the neck and spine. We all miss his smile.
- I would like to thank the doctors and the rest of the medical staff for their expertise, professionalism and friendliness. Also, I rule out any possibility of influence that would be favorable for me, but harmful to the opposite party.
- Throughout my career and life I have gone through many serious injuries and surgeries, but sport teaches us that after every fall we can get back up, no matter how hard the road is. Kindness is a strength that does not ask for recognition. One kind word, an extended hand or a sincere smile can change someone’s day, and even their life. Faith in people gives hope. There is something valuable in everyone, something that can bring light to others. When we believe in ourselves and in the good intentions of the people around us, we build bridges instead of walls. Sincerely, Tomislav Mrkonjic, it says in the signature of the post.
Let’s remind you, Martinjak is an afterthought arrested after the confrontation during the final match of the tournament in Zagreb. The police suspect him of a criminal offense serious bodily injury after 32-year-old Tomislav Mrkonjić was injured in the incident. After a criminal investigation was conducted against him criminal complaint filed and was handed over to the detention supervisor.
Dinamo’s Marko Soldo publicly supported Martinjak after the incident with Mrkonjic
(www.jabuka.tv | Photo: HŠK Posušje)
