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Croatia fans face racism scrutiny | ||
 European football authorities are studying claims that some Croatian fans flew white supremacist flags and made racist chants during their match against France last Thursday. The claims come in a report from an organisation called Football Against Racism in Europe. Statements from match officials are also being studied by the authorities.
If the disciplinary committee considers the report well-founded, the Croatian Football Association could be punished. The report states that at least two banners carrying extreme right-wing insignia were on display at the France-Croatia match. There were no swastikas, but Celtic crosses have been associated with right-wing groups in Croatia. The report says there was also racist chanting at black French players. Tension Extra spotters looking out for examples of racism will be deployed at today's match against England, which is already regarded by the authorities as a high-tension game. Thousands of English fans are gathering in Lisbon. Many have travelled from the southern resorts in the Algarve. Croatia must win to secure a place in the quarter-finals, while England need only a draw. In the day's other final group game, France meets Switzerland, with the France the defending champions, also needing a draw to qualify. | ||
