Entrevista James Rodriguez Colombia vs Peru - Cuartos de Final - Copa America
Croatias Euro 2016 campaign, cruising toward a victory against the Czech Republic on Friday, seemed to go off the rails after it surrendered two late goals against the run of play to tie, 2-2.
The tie was a disappointment, as Croatia dominated an opponent for the second game in a row, but Croatia now faces a larger problem: UEFA has opened a disciplinary case after Croatian fans threw about a dozen flares onto the field in the final minutes, and some fans fought with one another in the stands.
The incident caused a delay of several minutes near the end of a game that Croatia appeared to be closing out comfortably, and in addition to the flares and the fighting included the tossing of a firecracker-like explosive onto the playing surface. It went off with a loud bang just as a stadium steward reached down to pick it up.
The result, and the disturbances, infuriated the Croatian team. Players pleaded with their fans for calm before the smoke, and the explosive, chased them away.
These people are sports terrorists, they are not fans, fumed Croatias coach, Ante Cacic.
They dont deserve to sit in stands, he added. They ruin everything we are doing.
Via The Associated Press:
Croatias fans have one of the worst records in Europe for misbehavior in stadiums. Four years ago, the former UEFA President Michel Platini singled out Croatia fans for criticism. Croatia was later deducted one point in its Euro 2016 qualifying group after fans painted a swastika symbol on the field before a match against Italy in Split.
Croatia is potentially facing a big fine from UEFA over the delay. The governing body said after the match that it will open disciplinary procedures against Croatia following the incidents.
It also cost itself control of the group by blowing a two-goal lead. Instead of six points, and a place in the next round, Croatia left Saint-Etienne with four points, and some serious questions to answer.
UPDATE: ESPNs Gabrielle Marcotti reported after the match that the disruption was almost certainly related to an ongoing power struggle for control of the Croatian soccer association, which may explain Cacics comments that its a group of maybe six, seven or 10 individuals; I hope we can identify them and that they will be punished.
There is a portion of Croatia fans that want Croatia eliminated, Marcotti said. They want the Croatan F.A. further embarrassed.
This is their way of embarrassing them, he added. Its happened before, and they say theyre going to continue to do it.
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/projects/cp/sports/euro-2016-copa/the-england-fans-goal-celebrations-were-great
