UEFA opens disciplinary proceedings against Croatia after flare incident

Croatia will face disciplinary action from UEFA after Friday's match against the Czech Republic was marred by fans throwing flares and an explosive device onto the pitch, halting the contest and, more alarmingly, nearly causing serious injury to a steward.

The Croats were ahead 2-1 late in the Group D game, but proceedings were put on hold when several flares were thrown onto the field. Amid the deluge, an explosive device was also thrown, detonating just as a steward attempted to remove it from the field of play.

The Czech Republic went on to score an equaliser in injury time.

UEFA confirmed Saturday that a disciplinary case has been opened, with charges relating to racist behaviour, crowd disturbances, throwing of objects on the field, and setting off fireworks.

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Croatia was sanctioned twice during qualifying for Euro 2016, ordered to close a section of its stadium after fans threw missiles, fireworks and were responsible for racist behaviour during a match in Italy.

Later, the team was docked a point when a swastika was mowed into the pitch at the Stadion Poljud in Split ahead of the return leg against the Azzurri.