Last week, a plethora of flares raining down on the pitch and fireworks being set off in the stands forced suspension of the Euro 2016 qualifying match between Italy and Croatia. The majority of the trouble seemed to stem from the visiting fans, despite the fact that it looked as though Croatia was more likely to take the lead. Instead, the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
UEFA charges both Italy and Croatia for crowd trouble
Both sets of fans are charged with setting off fireworks during their Euro 2016 qualifier, but UEFA has charged Croatia with even more.
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Now, UEFA have charged both countries’ FAs. The Italian fans have been charged for setting off fireworks in the stands, which means that the governing body must have seen something that those watching on TV did not. It’s likely Croatia will face a more severe punishment, as their fans are charged with racist behavior, crowd disturbance, setting off fireworks and throwing missiles.
Croatia and Italy are both even on 10 points in Group H. A points deduction, however, could send Croatia into the playoffs, as Norway sits just behind with nine points.
Which might be exactly what the Croatia fans intended. It’s said that some fans traveled to Milan with the purpose of causing such a disturbance, in order to get a message to the Croatia FA and possibly to ban the team from Euro qualifying.
The case will be heard on December 11.
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