UEFA threaten Croatia with Euro 2008 expulsion
UEFA have warned Croatia they could be excluded from Euro 2008 if their fans continue to flout the game’s anti-racism rules.
William Gaillard, the head of communications for European football’s governing body, issued the warning to Croatian fans ahead of Wednesday’s Euro 2008 qualifier against England, reminding them repeat offenders face serious punishment for any form of racial abuse.
Gaillard said: “We have had serious incidents of racism with Croatian fans in the past so we can impose heavier sanctions if it happens again which ultimately could be exclusion from the competition.
“There are new rules which can lead to exclusion from a competition and docking points in extreme cases. We will monitor events closely.
“Ourselves and FIFA have imposed sanctions and the sanctions will be heavier in the future.”
FIFA has charged the Croatian Football Federation with bringing the game into disrepute after fans formed a human swastika on the terraces two months ago during a friendly international in Italy in Livorno.
Croatia were fined during Euro 2004 over racist banners flown at a game against France.
