There is a certain irony about a side capable of such refined artistry on the pitch being followed by a group of thugs off it.
Croatian football’s relatively short history is littered with ugly behaviour and unpleasant indiscretions that have gone hand in hand with truly world-class players and wonderful performances. Football seems to bring out both the best and worst in the country.
Slaven Bilic, one of Croatian football’s most popular ex-players and successful current managers, has charmed ITV viewers with his dry humour and excellent analysis during the Euros, but he was warily despondent when discussing the events of Friday.
Flares thrown onto the field of play in their game with the Czech Republic could see the Group D hopefuls heavily punished by UEFA, and as Bilic explained, it wouldn’t be the first time. He even described Croatia as the governing body’s “biggest sponsor” due to all their fines.
He explained that a lot of the trouble is due to the fierce rivalry between fans from Split and supporters from Zagreb, with the former believing that the Croatian FA favours the latter. This apparently results in internal division and a desire to cause maximum disruption.
“Some of them are there on a mission,” explained Bilic, who admitted he was fearful of what repercussions such behaviour may yet bring.
Slaven Bilic's insight on #CRO crowd trouble during #CZECRO https://t.co/4xrVIbB6Si
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 17, 2016
