Croatian fans throw flares on pitch during Euro match, cause delay
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During the Czech Republic’s Euro match against Croatia, fans threw several flares on the field, delaying the game.
Late in the game, with Croatia leading the Cech Republic 2–1, a group of flares were thrown toward one of the corners of the field. As several referees and staffers attended to the fire, it appeared that a security guard was hit by a flare, or had one directed toward him. The match was stopped for about two minutes.
Croatia coach Ante Cacic was angry at the fans’ behavior after the game. “They don't deserve to sit in stands," he told reporters through a translator. "They ruin everything we are doing. It's a group of maybe six, seven or 10 individuals. I hope we can identify them and that they will be punished.”
In the 93rd minute, the Czech Republic tied the game on a penalty kick, and went on to draw 2–2.
The Croatian soccer federation is expected to be fined by UEFA.
