On Saturday, UEFA formally opened a disciplinary case against the Croatian soccer federation for racism and fan disorder.
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Play had to be stopped in the closing stages of the 2-2 draw at the Stade Geoffroy Guichard in Saint-Etienne after flares were thrown on to the pitch from the Croatia end.
Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic has called for a government session to discuss the fan disturbances and the CFF apologised to those in the stadium for Friday’s match, the television audience and the Czech Republic team.
Even in their most triumphant years, Spain have struggled to find a centre-forward and during Euro 2012, they famously played without a recognised striker as Cesc Fabregas was deployed as a socalled “false number nine”.
“Our national team threw in the towel, I have never accepted this and I will never accept it. I am deeply upset”, he added.
Sweden, which meets Belgium in its final group game, has one point from its two matches but has yet to have a shot on target – its goal against Ireland in the 1-1 draw earlier this week having been an own goal. These people are scary and I call them hooligans, ‘ said Cacic.
He added: “They are not really Croatia supporters”.
Croatia players pleaded with fans to stop throwing missiles.
Croatia is second behind Spain in Group D with four points.
“Croatian hooligans interrupted the match and helped the Czechs to equalise”, the paper lamented over what it labelled “Euro 2016’s saddest moment”.
The Italy game, and a subsequent qualifier against Bulgaria, were played in empty stadiums as punishment from UEFA for fans using far-right chants and banners.
Croatia had stuck first during the match when Ivan Perisic scored in the first half.
Spain have won both of their games in Group D without conceding a goal and Turkey have lost theirs without scoring.
Croatia faces additional charges over alleged “racist behaviour”, while Turkey faces charges over supporters invading the pitch.
Football-related violence in Croatia has increased since former player Davor Suker took over the federation, angering some fans who say he is too close to former Dinamo Zagreb boss Zdravko Mamic, a controversial figure in Croatia.
Turkey could also face a second charge after flares were lit by fans following their 3-0 Euro 2016 loss to Spain in Nice.
The reigning champions needed a last-minute goal from Gerard Pique to see off a spirited Czech Republic side in their opening game on Monday, but they looked a lot more dominant against Turkey.
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“It will be great for us to see those waves of blue”, he said.
