Ivan Perisic, Ivan Rakitic and Croatia Coach Ante Cacic slammed “terrorist” fans who threw flares during their 2-2 draw with the Czech Republic.
UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings after the incidents, which saw ultras throw at least a dozen flares and smoke-bombs on to the pitch during the closing minutes of the game.
Ivan Perisic, Ivan Rakitic and Croatia Coach Ante Cacic slammed “terrorist” fans who threw flares during their 2-2 draw with the Czech Republic.
UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings after the incidents, which saw ultras throw at least a dozen flares and smoke-bombs on to the pitch during the closing minutes of the game.
It was clearly done on purpose to get the Federation fined, something a group of Croatian supporters have been doing repeatedly over the past couple of years, forcing UEFA to dock a point in qualifying.
“These people are not interested in the match,” said Inter winger Perisic, who scored in today’s Euro 2016 match.
“Perhaps it would be better not to play anymore, because we cannot continue like this. Now UEFA could punish us severely. Scenes like this are shameful for our country, so we need to find a solution.”
One of the flares exploded as a steward was trying to pick it up off the turf and was led away with an injured hand.
“I do not call these people fans, as they are terrorists who should not be in the stadiums,” added Coach Cacic.
“It is a minority and 90 per cent of the Croatia fans should be ashamed of them. What happened is very sad. I hope everything is done to identify these hooligans and put them where they belong, but UEFA cannot fight this battle alone.
“Sadly, we feared something like this could happen. They are terrorists of sport.”
Indeed there had been rumours all week that the Croatian group would stage an ‘incident’ during the match to get the Federation fined, as it is their way of protesting the ‘corruption’ in their football movement.
“I am certain UEFA will punish us after these shameful scenes,” added Rakitic. “There’s no point talking about the upcoming match against Spain, because we could be thrown out of the Euros.”
This has an effect on Italy too, as if Croatia finish second in their Group and Italy top Group E, they’ll face off in the Round of 16.
These sides already met twice in qualifying, drawing 1-1, but the match in Croatia was marred by someone etching a Swastika on to the turf.