Croatian boxer banned for life after attacking referee following defeat

Croatian boxer Vido Loncar attacked the referee following his fight at the Junior European Championships Croatian boxer Vido Loncar attacked the referee following his fight at the Junior European Championships

Boxer Vido Loncar has been banned for life after attacking a referee during the European Youth Boxing Championships in Zagreb.

Light heavyweight Locar launched an unprovoked attack on the referee following his decision to stop the fight in favour of opponent Algiras Baniulis.

The Croat floored the referee as he prepared to declare Baniulis the winner and then continued to unleash a barrage of punches while the official was on the floor.

Lithuanian Baniulis fled the ring while Locar only stopped his vicious attack when security staff dragged him through the ropes by his ankles.

The referee is recovering in hospital from what have been described as “serious” but not long-term injuries.

“This is the worst thing that could happen to us,” said Croatian Boxing Federation’s Marko Marovic.

“This is a disgrace to Zagreb and Croatia and cause the sport of boxing major damage.

“All the hard work that we put into organising this championship and raising the image of Croatian boxing has been destroyed in a few seconds.”