The Prime Minister of Croatia urged UEFA not to throw his country out of Euro 2016 after a swastika was etched into the turf against Italy.
The incident caused shockwaves during their 1-1 qualifier in Split and, although Croatia remain top of the group, they could face severe repercussions.
That game was already being played behind closed doors due to previous violent and racist behaviour from their supporters.
The Prime Minister of Croatia urged UEFA not to throw his country out of Euro 2016 after a swastika was etched into the turf against Italy.
The incident caused shockwaves during their 1-1 qualifier in Split and, although Croatia remain top of the group, they could face severe repercussions.
That game was already being played behind closed doors due to previous violent and racist behaviour from their supporters.
“I send you this letter concerned for the fate of Croatian national team during the disciplinary proceedings, which is the result of a sad incident on the sidelines of the qualifying match for Euro 2016 Croatia-Italy in Split on June 12,” wrote Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic.
“Still unknown perpetrators are clearly and firmly condemned from all sides of the political spectrum and from all state institutions.
“Their act was met with disdain large majority of Croatian citizens. An extensive criminal investigation, which we hope will bring a result, is on-going and the perpetrators will be found very soon.
“In this context, I would like to point out that Croatia during World War II had the highest proportion of anti-fascist forces among the population in occupied Europe. Croatian citizens were the most in partisan units during the war.
“I emphasize this in order to clarify that the perpetrators of the heinous act in Split no support or understanding in the Croatian society. Their act is directed primarily against the Croatian Football Federation due to internal conflicts and certainly not support the Nazi or fascist ideology, nor is it directed against the Croatian team.
“I understand that there will probably be sanctions against the Croatian Football Federation. However, I would like to appeal to the understanding of the UEFA and the attention to the fact that Croats live and breathe with his national team.
“The fans were deeply shocked after the incident, afraid of punishment. Draconian sanctions that could seriously harm or even prevent the team's success in excellent qualification for Euro 2016, benefit those who want to bring down the Union, but that would ruin the team. That would be an indelible scar on the soul of Croatian fans and in the long run hurt the game of soccer in Croatia.
“I appeal to you, Mr. President, do not let Euro 2016 be held without the participation of the best national teams. The game must played on the football field.”