Euro 2016: Croatia fans light flares, cause delay

Flares being thrown onto the pitch from Croatian supporters caused a delay during Friday’s Euro 2016 match against the Czech Republic.

More fan misbehavior has crept into Euro 2016 as Croatia supporters have caused a delay in play in the final minutes of their group stage match against the Czech Republic. Continuing the theme of fan antics drawing headlines at this year’s tournament after England and Russia made waves for their in-stadium and out-of-stadium violence earlier this week.

Nearing the 90th minute, Croatia fans decided to light off flares in their end of the pitch in Saint-Etienne, causing referee Mark Clattenburg to halt play as the Croatia were holding onto a 2-1 lead.

Croatia players to their credit went down to their supporters section and pleaded for their fans to stop throwing flares onto the pitch in what was a scene that will likely cause UEFA sanctions for the often controversial Croatian fans who are no strangers to fan trouble.

Some blame here needs to go to the security members in Saint-Etienne who allowed so many flares to pass through their checkpoints during a tournament where terrorism threats have led to increased measures at the grounds. There is no excuse for throwing flares onto the pitch even if pyrotechnics are a part of Croatian football culture, and the fine that Croatia will be given in the aftermath of this match will reflect that fact as UEFA will not be happy to see a match temporarily suspended due to fans.

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