During the match between Marsonia and Slavonia, Gabriel’s brother Bruno collapses on the field and loses his life.
Shocking news sent a shockwave across Croatia, Osijek’s leadership and especially shook Gabriel Boban, immediately after the end a friendly match played in Velika. The news came from Slavonski Brod, where the championship match of the 3rd HNL league was taking place between Marsonia and Slavonija, the sad news being that Bruno Boban, Gabriel’s brother, collapsed on the field after having been hit with the ball right in the plexus. The fear of the worst was audible in the voice of those who contacted us, with his tragic fate being foreshadowed, him having been only 25 years old and who had played for Zagreb along with his brother for some time.
Try after Try, Sadly For Nothing
Sadly, after uninterrupted telephone contact in which we received every bit of information, including the one that the ambulance was trying to resuscitate Bruno in his very direst moment, he lost his battle for life at 16:20.
In the meantime, Gabriel quickly made his way to Slavonski Brod to attend the dire situation unfolding at Marsonia, shocked by the information received. On Saturday, the younger brother had sported Slavonija’s jersey before playing for the team before his untimely demise.
Shock and Disbelief in Osijek’s Ranks
All of Osijek’s players, the board members and the administration are expressing their condolences to Gabrijel Boban and his family for the loss of a brother and a son. In all of Velika and Pozestina, the news spread like wildfire and resulted in sadness and grieving. The late, great Bruno Boban played 25 matches in the HNL with one goal, arriving in Marsonia this winter from Slavonija, against whom he, sadly, played his last game.
Osijek coach Zoran Zekic, his aide Ivo Smoje and the director of general affairs, Hrvoje Barisic, immediately departed for Slavonski Brod from Velika in order to support Gabrijel in this unfortunate tragedy with which he has to cope.
Photo: Dalibor Urukalovic/PIXSELL
