English FA blame Croatians for crowd trouble

THE Football Association have accused their Croatian counterparts of failing to execute agreed security measures prior to this month’s Euro 2008 qualifier in Zagreb.

There is a remote possibility England could be forced to play a match behind closed doors should Soho Square chiefs fail to successfully defend themselves against a UEFA charge in relation to the behaviour of some visiting fans outside the Maksimir Stadium before the 2-0 defeat.

The FA have already asked to be allowed personal representation at a disciplinary hearing in Switzerland on November 9, when the Croatian FA will also be forced to answer allegations of mishandling the entry of fans into the stadium, as well as a failure to control some home supporters.