Croatia face further punishment as UEFA acts over swastika incident
NYON: European federation UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Croatia football authorities over the pitch swastika incident at Friday’s Euro 2016 qualifier in Split against Italy writes KEIR RADNEDGE.
The Croat FA apologised after a swastika could be seen on the pitch during the game at the Poljud Stadium. It was already being played behind closed doors after Croatia were punished for racist chanting during their match with Norway in March.
The the symbol could be clearly seen on TV coverage during the Group H encounter, which ended 1-1.
Ground staff attempted to cover the symbol up during the half-time interval but were unable to do so and the federation expressed its regret over the incident and confirmed the symbol had been emblazoned on the pitch up to 48 hours before match took place.
Spokesman Tomislav Pacak said: “A chemical agent was used on the field 24 to 48 hours before the kick-off, timed to be visible during the qualifying match. During the half-time, we have tried to remedy the situation to the best of our abilities, given the short amount of time.”
The match ended 1-1 to maintain the status quo with Croatia top of Group H.
UEFA is also acting against Croatia for player indiscipline in incurring a minimum of five yellow cards.
Disciplinary action is also being taken against Northern Ireland.
UEFA statement:
Match: European Qualifiers, Group H, Croatia v Italy (1-1), played on 12 June in Split
Disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the Croatian Football Federation (HNS).
Incidents: Racist behaviour – Art. 14 of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (DR); Improper conduct of the team (5 cards or more) – Art. 15 (4) DR
Match: European Qualifiers, Group F, Northern Ireland v Romania (1-1), played on 13 June in Belfast
Disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the Irish Football Association (IFA).
Incidents: Setting off and/or throwing of fireworks and objects – Art. 16 (2) (b) (c) DR
Disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the Romanian Football Federation (FRF).
Incidents: Illicit banners – Art. 16 (2) (e) DR; Crowd disturbances Art. 16 (2) (h) DR
Match: European Qualifiers, Group B, Bosnia and Herzegovina v Israel (3-1), played on 12 June in Zenica
Disciplinary proceedings have been opened against the Bosnia and Herzegovina Football Federation (NFSBiH).
Incidents: Distruption of national anthem – Art. 16 (2) (g) DR; Setting off and/or throwing of fireworks and objects – Art. 16 (2) (b) (c) DR; Racist behaviour – Art. 14 DR
These cases will be dealt with by the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body on 16 July.
http://www.uefa.org/
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