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.
The sickening incident has incurred numerous penalties for the nation, in what may severely threaten their bid to keep their slender lead over Italy to qualify first for next summer’s tournament.
Croatia’s next two games will be played in front of an empty stadium.
The match which was marred by the swastika incident was also played in a venue banned from hosting supporters, after another racial incident which has brought shame upon the country.
In addition to these sanctions, Croatia have also been banned from hosting qualifiers in the city of Split, while a fine of €100,000 has been sent to the football association.
With the point deduction factored into the group standings, Croatia sit just one point ahead of Italy as the race to qualify for next summer’s tournament intensifies.
