THE CROATIAN FOOTBALL Federation has apologised after a swastika symbol appeared on the pitch at Stadion Poljud during their Euro 2016 qualifier with Italy on Friday.
During the opening 45 minutes of the Group H encounter, it became apparent that the Nazi symbol could be seen in Croatia’s half. Despite stadium staff’s best efforts during the half-time interval, they were unable to cover or remove the symbol.
“We apologise to all viewers, our guests from Italy and the players from both teams, for the Nazi symbol on the Poljud Stadium grass,” press officer Tomislav Pacak said.
Technically speaking, a chemical agent was used on the field 24 to 48 hours before the kick-off, timed to be visible during the qualifying match. During the half-time, we have tried to remedy the situation to the best of our abilities, given the short amount of time.”
It was a pity that this incident overshadowed an exciting game between the top two teams in Group H. Mario Mandzukic, who missed an early spot-kick, gave the Croatians a controversial 11th minute lead seconds after Italy’s Stephan El Shaarawy had an effort disallowed for offside. Antonio Candreva equalised with a cheeky penalty in the 36 minute and the game finished 1-1, which sees Croatia remain two points ahead at the top of the table.
This isn’t Croatia’s first run-in with unfortunate symbolism at soccer matches. In a friendly with Italy in Livorno in 2006, Croatia fans formed a human swastika in the stands and also also gave Nazi salutes.
November’s reverse fixture in Milan was also stopped twice for crowd trouble. Croatia were forced to close part of their stadium for March’s game with Norway as punishment for this behaviour but the fans that attended that game caused more problems. As a result, last night’s game was played in an empty stadium.
There is likely to be further punishment following this latest incident, with Pacak confirming after the match that Uefa had been notified about the incident. He called on the police to bring those responsible to justice.
“This was an obvious act of sabotage and a criminal act. We condemn it and ask the police and judicial bodies to find the person(s) responsible for what is a shame not only for Croatian football, but the entire country.
“Once again, we express regret and condemn this act, and we apologise to all the viewers, guests and players from both teams.”
dont really belive in this “best player in the world” crap tbh especially young player or in certain positions,its just too hard to gauge but hazard is certainly up there
and yes before people say it messi and ronaldo are streets ahead but its rarely been so easy to call !!
Hazard is a world class player, I’m a United fan and would love to have him on the team, I watched the match against city last night and he had a great game, skipping by players, holding onto the ball. While not quite on the same level as messi or ronaldo yet, he has got the ability to be up there with the best, maybe in 5 years time probably the best player in the world? If he keeps going the way he’s going he’ll without a doubt be on top, I can’t wait to see the moment everyone realises that this guy could be number 1
yeah absolutely keith i hope you didnt think i was saying anything contrary to what you just said,i agree he has the potential to be world class and maybe the best in the world i just dont really belive in that title too much
for example take messi and ronaldo out of it and there are easily a dozen players you could argue are “the best in the world” and as for saying hazard is the best young player in the world,im sure fans of every league would have a different answer,pogba in serie A.gotze in bundesliga and any of a number in spain could you really say he is better than them is my point
Jon Flanaghan anybody!!
Nah Hazard is gifted in fairness
He is world class at 23 so who knows how far he will go…
What about that jacuzzi diver at yanited???
Hazard is outstanding but needs to add more goals
The kid dived I say about twice, the kid only 18 !! Years ahead of him…. Once he gets a grip of the game better, he will be a class act.
d11 do you actually support liverpool supporter or just hate united ?? you are a hateful idiot,juanazj is class and will be world class he dived once or twice about the same as that myth of a player you probably masturbate to steven gerrrard
Unbalivable Player, One to keep an eye on in the future :)
Fap fap fap fap fap fap fap…….
He certainly has the potential. Remember this goal against Man Utd last year in the FA Cup – http://goo.gl/EI5kZv Wow!