The recent derby match between Rijeka and Hajduk, held at Rujevica, concluded with Rijeka winning 3-2 after extra time, but the spotlight quickly shifted to referee Patrik Kolarić's decisions during the game. The match was fraught with contentious moments that incited strong reactions from players and staff alike. Notably, Hajduk striker Ante Rebić openly criticized the referee after the match, suggesting that Kolarić's uncertain performance may have influenced the game's outcome.

Rebić recounted a conversation prior to the match where he warned that the referee could ruin the game. His grievances were further exacerbated by particular calls made during the match, leading to heightened anger among Hajduk's players and coaching staff. At one point during the contest, the referee mentioned to Rebić that he could have issued multiple red cards, prompting Rebić to question why no cards were shown if that was the case. This exchange underscores the contentious atmosphere surrounding the officiating and its potential implications on player morale and game integrity.

The aftermath of the match saw ongoing discourse about the officiating decisions, with many followers of Croatian football deeply divided on the efficacy of the refereeing in such high-stakes encounters. This match, along with its controversies, highlights the pressures and expectations placed on referees in critical games, as well as the passionate responses from players, reflecting the intense rivalries present in Croatian football. Further discussions are likely to develop as fans and analysts dissect the implications these referee performances may have on future matches and season outcomes.