More unsavoury scenes at Euro 2016.
Croatian supporters disrupted Friday’s game against the Czech Republic. In the final minutes of the game, with Croatia leading 2-1, a number of flares were thrown onto the field, with one exploding in the face of an unfortunate steward, who was attempting to clear the pitch of the objects.
The incident appeared to prove costly to the Croatian team, who pleaded for calm from their supporters, and went on to concede an injury time penalty to draw the game.
Football writer Aleksandar Holiga attempted to offer some context to the incident, arguing it was something of a protest against the Croatian football authorities and another sign of the disharmony between supporters and the country’s football power brokers.
Whatever way you look at it, the scenes were inexcusable, but this does shine some light on the incident.
To be clear – of course I don't support or condone people doing this and there are now 'buts' about it. However…
— Aleksandar Holiga (@AlexHoliga) June 17, 2016
However, these people aren't doing it because they hate Croatia. They hate what #CRO footbal has become so much that they don't care.
— Aleksandar Holiga (@AlexHoliga) June 17, 2016
Croatian football is run by a criminal, Zdravko Mamić, and his puppets. They are hypocrites, fake patriots and thieves.
— Aleksandar Holiga (@AlexHoliga) June 17, 2016
None of that is an excuse for the so-called 'fans', but you have to ask yourself one question: how has it come to this?
— Aleksandar Holiga (@AlexHoliga) June 17, 2016
Are these people enemies of the state or something? Of course not. Why has the federation/society let things escalate so much?
— Aleksandar Holiga (@AlexHoliga) June 17, 2016
I think Croatia will be disqualified from the WC 2018 qualifiers.
— Aleksandar Holiga (@AlexHoliga) June 17, 2016
Croatia were fined and docked a point in qualifying for Euro 2016, after a swastika symbol was visible on their pitch in Split, and the country’s FA were fined for supporter’s racist chanting of Mario Balotelli during Euro 2012.
