Croatia’s soccer federation is expected to be fined by UEFA after its game against the Czech Republic was delayed when lit flares were thrown on the field from a section of the stadium reserved for Croatian fans.
The match in Saint-Etienne was stopped late on for several minutes – a repeat of similar incidents at two of Croatia’s Euro 2012 matches.
Soon after play resumed, the Czechs scored from a stoppage time penalty kick to get a 2-2 draw.
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UEFA said later it will begin a disciplinary procedure after the incidents.
Football federations are responsible for fans’ behaviour inside the stadium and Croatia’s supporters have one of the worst records in Europe.
Croatia was deducted one point in its Euro 2016 qualifying group after fans painted a swastika symbol on the field before a match against Italy in Split.
Croatia coach Ante Cacic was furious at the behaviour of the team’s fans.
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Speaking through a translator, Cacic described those responsible for the incidents as “sports terrorists” and said the Croatian football authorities can’t fight against these “hooligans” on its own.
“They don’t deserve to sit in stands,” he said. “They ruin everything we are doing.
“It’s a group of maybe six, seven or 10 individuals. I hope we can identify them and that they will be punished.”
The Czech Republic came back from two goals down to draw 2-2 in the Group D match at Geoffroy Guichard stadium in Saint-Etienne.
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