Russia were the first team to be handed down an official suspended disqualification for crowd trouble at France's European Championships, but they won't be the last. Crowd trouble has marred these games, and UEFA has officially charged both Turkey and Croatia for violence and flares in their last games.
UEFA will meet on Tuesday to decide what sanctions are appropriate, but the Croatians in particular are afraid that they will be kicked out before their final group game against Spain.
Sitting on four points in Group D behind Spain, Croatia are in a great position to qualify for the knockout phase. They threw away a two goal lead in their game against Czech Republic, after a protest from their fans.
It was something that was flagged before the game, and the Croatian federation tried to warn UEFA and French authorities.
Barcelona star Ivan Rakitic said he's worried that he won't be able to face his clubmates 'Maybe they will send us home after this'; whilst West Ham manager said this is an ongoing problem in Croatia:
It’s a clash between the north and south. They think the Croatian FA rarely plays in Split, they think it’s all about Zagreb.
It’s probably not the last time they will do it.
Unlike Russia who just got a suspended disqualification, Croatia were already punished in qualifying - being forced to play a game behind closed doors after two incidents - one of racist chanting, and another after a swastika was burned into their pitch before a game with Italy.
UEFA's official charges that Croatia have to answer for on Tuesday are:
Charges against the Croatian Football Federation are: setting off of fireworks; throwing of objects; crowd disturbance; racist behaviour.
Their final group game is scheduled to be later on Tuesday against group leaders Spain.
