Saturday 13 June 2015 12:40, UK
The Croatian FA has apologised after a swastika was imprinted on the pitch for their European Qualifier with Italy on Friday night.
The controversial symbol was visible on the surface at Split's Poljud stadium during the first half of a 1-1 draw played in front of empty stands owing to previous crowd offences.
Croatian FA spokesman Tomislav Pacak said: "We apologise to all fans watching the game on television, to both teams and to our guests from Italy for the Nazi symbol.
"As far as we have learned, the symbol was imprinted into the pitch between 24 and 48 hours before the match so that it could be visible during the game.
"This is sabotage and a felony, hence we expect police to identify the perpetrators and we have also notified UEFA.
"This is a disgrace not just for the HNS (Croatian FA) but for the whole of Croatia. Neither our coach nor players will comment."
The match finished 1-1, leaving Croatia two points clear at the top of Group H.
