Croatia’s government condemned the swastika drawn on to the pitch during their Euro 2016 qualifier with Italy.
The offensive symbol was visible in last night’s match at the Stadion Poljud, the home stadium of Hajduk Split.
At first it appeared to be scratched or mowed into the turf, but there are now suggestions a slow-acting chemical was poured on overnight.
Croatia’s government condemned the swastika drawn on to the pitch during their Euro 2016 qualifier with Italy.
The offensive symbol was visible in last night’s match at the Stadion Poljud, the home stadium of Hajduk Split.
At first it appeared to be scratched or mowed into the turf, but there are now suggestions a slow-acting chemical was poured on overnight.
The symbol became more and more visible under the floodlights as the first half wore on, before groundsmen had a chance to cover it up during the break.
“I firmly condemn the swastika that appeared on the turf during the game between Croatia and Italy,” said President of Croatia Kolinda Grabar Kitarovic.
“At the same time, I wish to remind people that the Croatian national fans are among the best and most loyal in the world.
“Croatia does have a serious problem with hooligans whose mission it is to discredit not just Croatian football, but the entire country.
“With this act they caused incalculable damage to the reputation of the Croatian citizens and their nation throughout the world.
“We need an urgent investigation to find those responsible and bring them to justice.”
The Croatian Press was horrified at the development, especially as this game was played behind closed doors because of previous crowd trouble and racist chanting.
“At this point nobody can say for certain that Croatia will play in Euro 2016 next year, because UEFA won’t turn a blind eye to the latest fascist provocation from Croatian hooligans,” wrote Novi List.
There is an on-going feud between certain hooligans and the Croatian Federation, as they also forced play to be suspended twice during the other match against Italy in November.
“This was a pre-meditated act with the intention of damaging the Croatian national team,” suggested Jutranji List.
“In a city that has become the epicentre of resistance against the top figures in Croatian football, such a drastic and detailed plan was only to be expected.”
Hajduk Split ultras believe the Croatian FA favours Dinamo Zagreb, so claimed Split was only awarded the chance to host this game because they knew full well it would be played behind closed doors.
Image via @maxnerozzi