Monday 17 November 2014 10:37, UK
UEFA are expected to take disciplinary action after Italy’s 1-1 draw with Croatia was briefly suspended when flares were thrown onto the pitch in Milan.
The European Qualifier was twice halted by crowd trouble and referee Bjorn Kuipers led the teams off for 10 minutes in the second half to allow the playing surface to be cleared.
Both sides later returned to complete the Group H fixture, but UEFA are likely to hand out severe sanctions after receiving the official report.
Flares rained down from the San Siro stands after Croatia’s Ivan Perisic cancelled out Antonio Candreva’s opener for the hosts and Kuipers stopped play for three minutes.
But the problems worsened following the break, with riot police sent to disperse some fans as yet more flares and firecrackers were sent onto the pitch. Sixteen fans were arrested at the match.
Croatia coach Niko Kovac said later: "I apologise to everyone, especially the Italians, for our supporters' behaviour.
"I was disappointed and helpless, there are no right words for this. If someone has a problem, he has to deal with it outside the stadium.
"This is not the real image of Croatia, Croatians are honest people that respect other nations, while this kind of behaviour leads nowhere. Of course, Croatia will face sanctions, but I think there is no reason for any point deductions."
