Croatia fined for racist chanting

The Croatian FA has been hit with a mammoth fine after supporters were found guilty of racist chanting.

The fine, which totals 80,000 euros, relates to chants directed at Mario Balotelli during Croatia's group stage clash with Italy and also takes into account other incidents of supporter misconduct, including the throwing of fireworks. Estimates of the number involved in the two incidents range from 300 to 500, while several witness accounts claim that a banana was thrown from the stands. The match finished 1-1, and the Croatia team has since been eliminated from the competition. "The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) has been fined 80,000 euros for the setting-off and throwing of fireworks, and the improper conduct of supporters (racist chants, racist symbols) at the UEFA EURO 2012 Group C match against Italy in Poznan on Thursday 14 June," read a UEFA statement. "An appeal can be lodged against this decision within three days of the dispatch of the reasoned decision." Italy and Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli had pledged before the tournament to leave the field if he was subjected to racial abuse, although it is unclear whether the player was aware of the chanting in this instance.