Uefa charge Croatia over crowd trouble

Uefa has opened disciplinary proceedings against Croatia following crowd trouble during their Euro 2016 2-2 draw with the Czech Republic on Friday.

European football's governing body have charged Croatia after their fans set off fireworks, threw objects and made racist chants at the Stade Geoffroy Guichard in Saint-Etienne.

Croatia boss Ante Cacic called the supporters who threw flares on to the pitch in the 86th minute "sports terrorists".

Referee Mark Clattenburg suspended the match briefly with Croatia leading 2-1, and when play resumed, the Czechs equalised through a 93rd minute Tomas Necid penalty.

"They are not really Croatia supporters. These people are scary and I call them hooligans," Cacic said.

And a Croatian Football Federation statement on Saturday read: "The Croatian national football team, Croatian internationals, Croatian football, Croatian fans, and Croatian state have all been disgraced once again at the European stage by a group of hooligans that hold nothing Croatian sacred, and that have ruined a beautiful football festival in Saint-Etienne."

The Turkish Football Federation has also been charged after their supporters set off fireworks, threw objects and invaded the field of play during Friday's 3-0 defeat to Spain.

In other news, the Czech Republic's Tomas Rosicky will miss the rest of the tournament with the hamstring injury he picked up in the draw against Croatia.

The 35-year-old, who was released by Arsenal at the end of the season after 10 years at the Emirates, lasted 89 minutes despite the pain as his side chased an equaliser.

"I felt well, I knew we needed a point so I forced it even when I had run out of steam," said Rosicky.

"Unfortunately I paid for this."

"As you saw, I picked up the ball, I set out and got virtually knocked down — but nobody even touched me. It doesn't look good at all."