Mamic has been brought in for questioning at the request of Zagreb County public prosecutor's office and is not under arrest for the time being, the police said.

Earlier the police advised that they were collecting information about Mamic's insulting statements concerning education minister Zeljko Jovanovic which have drawn condemnation from Croatian top officials, political parties and NGOs, and have been described as hate speech.

Mamic was taken into the police just before 5 p.m. and the questioning is still underway after which in cooperation with the public prosecutor a decision will be made concerning any further steps.

Earlier in the day Mamic spoke in a radio interview and accused Minister Jovanovic of being a "Croat hater" amongst else.

"He despises all things Croatian, the Olympic committee, football association. He's an insult to the Croatian mind. He's a Serb who has never worked in education or sports. He's a Croatian hater", Mamic was quoted to have said.

Soundset Radio distanced themselves from Mamic's outburst and later President Ivo Josipovic, Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic, Parliament Speaker Josip Leko and many others deplored this offensive language.

Media speculates that Mamic could be charged for public incitement of violence and hate, which foresees a prison sentence of up to three years.

Mamic has been reported to the police on several occasions over the past two years for misdemeanour and criminal charges and is known for his excessive and insulting outbursts in public.