The authorities in Milan reveal they confiscated over 50 flares from Croatia fans before the match with Italy.
Last night’s Euro 2016 qualifier at San Siro was suspended for 10 minutes because flares, smoke bombs and fireworks were raining down from the Croatia end, some reaching the centre-circle.
The authorities in Milan reveal they confiscated over 50 flares from Croatia fans before the match with Italy.
Last night’s Euro 2016 qualifier at San Siro was suspended for 10 minutes because flares, smoke bombs and fireworks were raining down from the Croatia end, some reaching the centre-circle.
Coach Niko Kovac apologised for the behaviour of these hooligans, but there was also controversy over how so many flares got into the stadium.
“Before the game we confiscated over 50 flares,” police chief Luigi Savina told TG1.
“It is not true to say those that got into the stadium were fired with flare guns. The searches at the entrance to a match are done in person and by contact, not with a scanner like in airports, so it is difficult to prevent dangerous items entering with absolute certainty.
“After all, with almost 70,000 people it would be impossible to check everyone individually.”
Meanwhile, there are reports in Croatia that a specific group of fans pre-planned the disturbance to send a message to the CFF (Croatian Football Federation).
Around 300 Dinamo Zagreb hooligans who bought tickets outside the usual channels are being blamed as the key figures.
Many hours before the game, there had already been reports from Milan city centre of shop windows being smashed and items stolen by Croatian fans.