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Croatia Fined €80,000 By UEFA After Racist Chanting

The Croatian Football Federation has been fined heavily after fans directed racist abuse towards Italian players at Euro 2012.

By Graham MacAree
POZNAN, POLAND - JUNE 14: Croatian fans look on as a flare burns on the field during the UEFA EURO 2012 group C match between Italy and Croatia at The Municipal Stadium on June 14, 2012 in Poznan, Poland. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
POZNAN, POLAND - JUNE 14: Croatian fans look on as a flare burns on the field during the UEFA EURO 2012 group C match between Italy and Croatia at The Municipal Stadium on June 14, 2012 in Poznan, Poland. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Getty Images

UEFA don't just fine people for revealing their underwear after scoring goals. They're also cracking down on the things that matter, and Croatia are the latest football federation to find themselves in hot water with European football's governing body, this time over the actions of their fans during their group stage match against Italy. A statement from UEFA detailed the punishment and rationale behind it:

The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) has been fined 80,000 euros for the setting-off and throwing of fireworks, and the improper conduct of supporters (racist chants, racist symbols) at the UEFA Euro 2012 Group C match against Italy in Poznan on Thursday 14 June.

Niklas Bendtner weirdness aside, this is the biggest fine UEFA have levied on any of the participants in the tournament. The racist chanting (mostly directed at Mario Balotelli) was clearly audible over the television broadcast of the match, and it's difficult to see Croatia having much of a defence here. Also the flares thing. Yeah.

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