Subs rescue Czechs in flare-hit draw with Croatia

Uefa will investigate the disturbance, having already handed Russian Federation a suspended disqualification after a supporter fired a flare gun during a 1-1 draw with England in Marseille on Saturday, June 11.

A member of the stadium staff sent to clear the flares was nearly struck as one of the pyrotechnics exploded next to him.

Barcelona midfielder and Croatia worldwide, Ivan Rakitic has admitted he fears they will be disqualified from the Euro 2016 following fan trouble.

Goals from Ivan Perisic and Ivan Rakitic had given Croatia a well-deserved 2-0 lead before Milan Skoda ensured a nervy finish when he pulled one back in the 76th minute with a powerful header from Tomas Rosicky’s perfectly judged cross.

A fire marshal at the ground in St Etienne was almost hit by a flare as more rained down from the stands and had to be helped from the field by colleagues.

Croatia’s coach Ante Cacic fields the same line-up that beat Turkey 1-0, with captain Darijo Srna starting after rejoining the team following his father’s death.

“We don’t play behind closed doors for no reason”.

“This is maybe just a question about six to 10 individuals”.

“I must say the pause due to their fans helped us”, said Czech Republic goalkeeper Petr Cech.

Having threatened earlier in the half, Croatia took the lead on 37 minutes after a mistake in the Czech midfield.

A stunning long-range strike from Luka Modric saw the Croats off to the ideal start against Turkey on Sunday and they’ll want to continue that winning momentum.

The attacking midfielder’s classy chip gave Cech no chance as it hit the net on 59 minutes. Punches were then thrown between fans before stewards calmed the situation. “We were not concentrated that much when he left the pitch”. I am sorry. These are not real Croatian supporters.

However, despite Croatia’s late collapse, with four points from their two matches they still look easily good enough to make the last 16, and their performance for the first hour on Friday ought to concentrate the minds of potential opponents.

“[The] Croatian FA can not fight alone against these hooligans”.