by croatiaweek
July 8, 2025
in
ZAGREB, 8 July 2025 – GNK Dinamo Zagreb has offered assistance to rivals Hajduk Split after a powerful storm caused significant damage to Poljud Stadium and the club’s training pitch on Tuesday morning.
The sudden and intense storm hit Split just before 9 am, bringing strong winds, heavy rainfall and hail that caused widespread destruction across the city.
Trees were uprooted, roads were flooded, and many private and public buildings were damaged. Power outages were also reported in various areas.
Among the affected sites was Poljud Stadium, home to Hajduk Split. The storm tore parts of the stadium’s roof and flooded the pitch, making it currently unusable.
Hajduk president Ivan Bilić confirmed the extent of the damage and outlined the club’s urgent efforts to prepare the stadium in time for the start of the Croatian football league, scheduled for the first weekend of August.
“The damage is significant, particularly to the roof. The mayor has already visited the site. Our plan is to act quickly. We will engage climbers to secure the roof and cover it with tarpaulin to prevent further damage. Several trees also fell on the training pitch, but we will remove those ourselves,” Bilić said.
He added that morning training had to be cancelled due to the hazardous conditions and stressed the need for full cooperation with the Croatian Football Federation (HNS), the City of Split and Split-Dalmatia County.
“Our aim is to get the stadium ready to host matches next season, at least meeting the minimum standards. We are hoping for support from the City, the County and the HNS,” he added.
In a rare moment of solidarity between rivals, Dinamo Zagreb extended an offer of support.
“GNK Dinamo regrets the damage caused by the severe and sudden storm that hit Split and its residents. Poljud Stadium, home to all Hajduk fans, was damaged, and its pitch flooded. Dinamo is ready to assist our great rivals in any way needed,” the Zagreb club stated on its official website.
GNK Dinamo žali zbog štete koja je uslijed strašnog i iznenadnog nevremena pogodila Split i sve Splićane. U naletima vjetra oštećen je i stadion Poljud, dom svih hajdukovaca, te im je potopljen travnjak. GNK Dinamo je na dispoziciji za bilo kakvu pomoć svom velikom rivalu. pic.twitter.com/EgMNyAi9pl
— GNK Dinamo (@gnkdinamo) July 8, 2025
The gesture was widely noted and appreciated by fans and commentators alike, highlighting the importance of unity in times of crisis.