ZAGREB: Police in Croatia have opened proceedings against the football federation over the swastika incident at last week’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Italy.

The federation apologised after the Nazi symbol could be seen on the pitch during television coverage of the Group H game which ended in a 1-1 draw.

The tie, at the Poljud Stadium, was being played behind closed doors after Croatia had been punished for racist chanting during a match with Norway in March.

Later the federarion said the symbol had been emblazoned on the pitch with a chemical agent up to 48 hours before kickoff. European federation UEFA launched discplinary adton and now the police have launched a case of their own.

The HNS and two officials have been charged with negligence and with regulatory failues over the organisatiin of a sports event.

The maximum fines are €33,000 for the federation and €7,000 for officials.

Police inquiries to find the perpetrators of the pich damage are ongoing.

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