Croatia have been hit with a point deduction after a swastika was seen on the pitch of the venue hosting their Euro 2016 qualifier with Italy last month.
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The swastika on the pitch at Split was removed by groundsmen at half-time of the draw between Croatia and Italy on June 12.
The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) apologised for the incident, but Uefa has responded with a deduction and a fine, while the team will have to play their next two home matches behind closed doors.
The punishment could have been worse, as UEFA had the option to expel Robert Kovac’s side from the tournament.
Pending an appeal, the punishment means Croatia stay top of Group H with 13 points from six games, one more than second-placed Italy.
Think you know your Italian football? It hosts Bulgaria on October 10, the only scheduled home match left in the Euro 2016 program.
ANTONIO BRONIC/REUTERS Imprinted into the grass of the Poljud stadium, the swastika was noticeable in the first half of the Group H game played without any fans present after the Croatians had been given a one-match ban for prior offenses.
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It was the latest racism scandal to engulf Croatia, who were already playing the Italy match – which finished 1-1 – behind closed doors.
