Croatia was today fined €80,000 after their fans were found guilty of racially abusing Mario Balotelli during their European Championship game against Italy.

The Croatian Football Federation have been fined €80,000 euros for “the setting-off and throwing of fireworks and the improper conduct of supporters (racist chants, racist symbols)” at Thursday’s match against Italy, UEFA have confirmed.

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic has condemned the racist behaviour that led UEFA to opening disciplinary proceedings against his country’s football federation and hopes the problem can be stamped out once and for all.

UEFA acted to stamp out monkey chanting at the European Championship for the first time today after opening disciplinary proceedings against Croatia over the alleged abuse of Mario Balotelli.

UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Croatian Football Federation for racist chanting and racist banners in the crowd during their 1-1 draw against Italy in Poznan on Thursday.

Croatia were dealt a major blow today when striker Ivica Olic was ruled out of Euro 2012.

The Football Association have been charged by UEFA over the “improper behaviour” of England supporters in Croatia.

UEFA have warned Croatia they could be excluded from Euro 2008 if their fans continue to flout the game’s anti-racism rules.

Croatian Football Federation president Vlatko Markovic says his nation’s players are confident ahead of taking on England in today’s must-win match at the Stadium of Light in Lisbon.

Croatia striker Ivica Olic has escaped punishment after testing positive for a banned substance at Euro 2004.