PARIS: Croatia’s football federation has been duly punished by European federation UEFA for the flare and firework-throwing which forced a five-minute late in the 2-2 draw with Czech Republic at Euro 2016 last week writes KEIR RADNEDGE.
Supporters undertaking protests of their own against senior Croat official Zdravko Mamic had planned to disrupt the match five minutes from the final whistle.
Their action backfired on the team who lost concentration because of the incident and, after leading 2-1, conceded a late equaliser.
Croatia’s federation has also barred from selling further tournament tickets to known troublemakers. That ban must remain in place for the remainder of the tournament.
UEFA has also opened proceedings against Albania and Romania after incidents in Sunday’s Group A match in Lyon.
Romania face action after fans set off fireworks and threw objects, with Albania accused of the same offences in addition to allowing a pitch invasion.
The charges mean that eight of the 24 teams competing in the tournament are the subject of disciplinary probes.
Albania won the game 1-0 to maintain slim hopes of progressing as one of the fortunate four third-placed teams while Romania were eliminaed after finishing bottom in Group A.
###########
