DUTCH NATIONAL INJURED IN SCUFFLE AHEAD OF CROATIA-AJAX MATCH

( Editorial: --> 0929 ) ZAGREB, Sept 16 (Hina) - An unidentified person injured a Dutch national ahead of Wednesday night's UEFA Champions League first round match between Croatia Zagreb and Ajax Amsterdam, which is to take place in the Croatian capital. The Dutch supporter, who suffered several light injuries to his flanks, right hip and stomach, has been hospitalised, Zagreb police said. The injuries were inflicted with a sharp object. The incident occurred around 3pm in Jurisiceva Street in downtown Zagreb, following a meeting of a small group of Croatian and Dutch supporters at the central Ban Jelacic Square, police spokesman Josip Begovic said. The supporters shouted insults at each other, after which they started fighting. Following the scuffle, the Ajax supporters headed off towards Jurisiceva Street. A still unidentified supporter of the Zagreb football team caught up to the Dutch national, Robert Visser (aged 35), and attacked him with a sharp object. Visser sustained light injuries, inflicted most probably with a broken bottle. He was taken to hospital, where he was kept for further treatment. Zagreb police carried out an on-the-spot investigation and informed the Foreign Ministry about the incident, Begovic said. The police are still searching for the perpetrator. (hina) rml /mbr 162012 MET sep 98