September 14 – UEFA has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the Croatian Football Association (HNS) following racist and discriminatory incidents at the Euro 2024 qualification match between Croatia and Latvia, which was played at the HNK Rijeka stadium.
The FARE (Football Against Racism in Europe) observer submitted a report to the match delegate stating that in the sector with Croatian fans, an individual was noticed who displayed the Ustasha (Croatian fascist and ultranationalist organisation) flag on several occasions,
The Croatian Football Association is currently under a suspended sentence due to the discriminatory behaviour of fans at the end of the Nations League finals. A new infringement could potentially lead to the activation of the next stage of the sanction of playing one home game behind closed doors.
The Croatian national team will play its first home game on October 12 in Osijek.
“At the end of the first half, the security service noticed two people raising an illegal flag, separated them and handed them over to the police officers, as well as the said flag,” said an HNS statement.
“Immediately after UEFA’s application, the Croatian Football Association sent an official letter to the Municipal Court in Rijeka, the Police Department of Primorje-Gorski Kotar and the Directorate of Police with a request to comment on the results of the criminal investigation and misdemeanor proceedings so that the Association could inform the UEFA Disciplinary Commission of how said persons will be prosecuted and sanctioned.
“During the police procedure, a third person was identified who helped bring the flag into the stadium, and a misdemeanor report was filed against all three persons and judicial proceedings were initiated,” said an HNS statement
“In addition, the Association will inform Uefa of all the details of the thorough preparation and security activities before, during and after the match to prevent and prevent any illegal behavior, resulting in an excellent atmosphere without a single illegal shout.
“HNS will take all legal options against persons who caused significant damage to the Croatian national football team and the reputation of the Republic of Croatia with their intentional and targeted illegal behavior”, added the HNS.
Contact the writer of this story, Alexander Krassimirov, at moc.l1735278075labto1735278075ofdlr1735278075owedi1735278075sni@o1735278075fni1735278075