Maribor hit by tragedy as two young players are killed in road accident
Wednesday 3 August 2016 10:50, UK
Aberdeen's Europa League opponents Maribor have been struck by tragedy ahead of the second leg of their third qualifying round tie.
The Slovenian club are in mourning after two young players were killed in a road accident.
Maribor confirmed that Damjan Marjanovic, 20, and 21-year-old Zoran Baljak had died. The pair played for Maribor's B team.
A club statement added: "With immense pain we received the tragic news that has shattered us deeply. A cruel fate has intervened in its severest form and taken away two young members of our Violet family."
Aberdeen, who play Maribor away on Thursday following a 1-1 draw at Pittodrie, said they were "deeply saddened" by the news.
Chief executive Duncan Fraser said: "I spoke with my counterpart Bojan Bon this (Tuesday) afternoon and have passed on our condolences from all of the Aberdeen family.
"This puts everything into perspective. The clubs have developed an excellent relationship in the build-up to the games and we will co-operate fully with any wishes that NK Maribor may have to mark this tragedy."
It was later announced that a minute silence will be observed before the second leg and that players from both teams will wear black armbands during the game.
