The Water Polo and Swimming Federation of Montenegro (VPSCG) has issued a statement following an incident that occurred near the city swimming pool in Podgorica, where members of PVK Budućnost were attacked.

Budućnost reported that the incident took place on Tuesday after a training session when a group of hooligans assaulted several young team members near the swimming pools in Podgorica, resulting in serious injuries to one player.

In response, the Federation condemned the attack and urged relevant institutions to take action.

“Violence among youth in Montenegro is a grave issue that necessitates immediate and decisive measures. Every child deserves a life free from fear of violence and harassment. As a community, we must implement necessary actions to ensure safety from violence. It is vital for each of us to take accountability and denounce any form of violence, especially among children, to cultivate a society where everyone feels secure and respected. We firmly oppose all acts of violence and call upon the institutions to fulfill their responsibilities and act against perpetrators in accordance with the law,” stated the VPSCG.

The Ministry of Sports and Youth also released a statement, noting that the conduct of hooligans in sports venues over recent months has exceeded all bounds, creating an unsafe environment for participants both on and off the field.

“We strongly denounce the assault on the young water polo player from PVK Budućnost, who is also a scholarship recipient of the Ministry of Sports and Youth,” they stated.

They emphasized that any attack on an athlete, particularly a young member of the national team, exemplifies the worst kind of violence and undermines the core values that sports embody—fair play, solidarity, and respect.

“The antics of hooligans in sporting events have gone too far, generating a climate where other participants do not feel secure, whether on the field or in the stands. The Ministry of Sports and Youth categorically denounces this act and calls on relevant authorities to swiftly identify and penalize those responsible. We stand firmly behind our young water polo player and assure our commitment to preventing such incidents through a systematic approach in cooperation with other relevant entities,” the Ministry affirmed.

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