UEFA open investigation into Swastika on Croatia pitch

Date: 15th June 2015 at 6:27pm
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Croatia Italy swastikaUEFA have opened an investigation into the swastika drawn onto the pitch at Croatia’s Poljud Stadium before their Euro 2016 qualifier with Italy.

The swastika was visible on the pitch, apparently missed by the groundsmen ahead of Friday’s match, which was played on regardless in front of an empty stadium after Croatian fans were found guilty of racist chanting in the 5-1 victory over Norway in March.

ANSA report that the verdict will be due on June 16 for violating Article 14 that covers racist and discriminatory behaviour, with punishments ranging from further stadium wide bans for supporters, or possibly even exclusion from European competition.

That measure will unlikely effect the Azzurri, who edged closer to ensuring Euro 2016 qualification with a point in Split after Antonio Candreva scored a chipped penalty to cancel out Mario Mandzukic’s early strike.

As a result Antonio Conte’s team remain two points clear of Norway in Group H, with the Scandinavians having drawn 0-0 with Azerbaijan.

 

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