Davor Šuker: ‘Being Kicked Out of EURO Realistic’

Croatian football federation President Davor Šuker says that it is not unrealistic that Croatia could get thrown of Euro qualifying after a swastika was burnt into the turf of Poljud stadium for Croatia’s qualifier with Italy on Friday night…

Speaking as a guest on Nova TV, Šuker said that UEFA’s options now were clear and simple. On Monday UEFA announced that they had begun disciplinary proceedings against Croatia.

“It is going to be hard to talk to my friends at UEFA. UEFA has an easy choice; playing the next match behind closed doors, deduction of points..” he said, before being asked if being kicked out of the competition was a possibility.

“Being kicked out? It is all realistic. You just need to look at the regulations and you will see it is all possible,” he said, before continuing.

“This can never be allowed to happen again. The Croatian football federation done everything that the police asked for in preparations. We will see what footage is available from the trainings,” he said, saying that it was imperative that the culprits were caught.

UEFA look set to punish Croatia

UEFA delegat Duško Grabovac agrees with Šuker that Croatia are set to be severely punished for Friday’s incident.

“We must agree that this is the most shameful day for Croatian football. The most important thing now is to keep a cool head and look for a way to get out of this. UEFA will be severe with their punishment. We have already been fined and punished with a match behind closed doors. Deduction of the point or points is now realistic. Our argument is that those who done it should receive the draconian punishment,” said Grabovac.

UEFA will make a decision on the incident on 16 July.

(photo / Drago Sopta HNS)