Croatia docked point in European Championship qualifying over swastika symbol

Croatia have been docked one point in European Championship qualifying after a swastika symbol was seen on their pitch.

During the 1-1 draw with Italy in Group H — played behind closed doors in Split after a previous instance of racist chanting by supporters — the symbol appeared near one touchline and gradually became clearer.

The Croatian Football Federation reported the incident to Uefa and described it as an “act of sabotage”, with press officer Tomislav Pacak adding that: “A chemical agent was used on the field 24 to 48 hours before the kick-off, timed to be visible during the qualifying match.”