Croatian fans who hurled flares on the pitch to halt their country’s Euro 2016 match against Czech Republic were branded “sports terrorists” as the showcase tournament suffered new troubles.
UEFA said an investigation would be opened and even the country’s President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic slammed the violent fans as “enemies of Croatia.”
Less than a week after Russian fans tried to attack England rivals inside the Marseille stadium, the European Championship finals suffered a double blow.
After the incidents flares and terrace fighting at the Croatia-Czech Republic game, Turkish fans lit flares and threw firecrackers on the pitch at Nice after their side lost to Spain.
Meanwhile, the Russian government maintained its offensive over the treatment of its fans in France.
President Vladimir Putin said “I truly don’t understand how 200 of our fans could beat up several thousand English.” But 20 Russians detained near Marseille were to be expelled on Saturday.
UEFA threatened Russia with expulsion from the tournament if their fans caused more stadium trouble at the tournament. Europe’s governing body will now be under pressure to take a tough line on Croatia, which was a repeat offender during Euro qualifying. – Read The Full Story Here
