Media release
Support Croatia in the spirit of fair-play
08.10.2016.
Photo by: Drago Sopta/HNS
Croatian Football Federation calls upon all Croatia fans to support the national team in the spirit of fair-play and condemns any signs of intolerance in the stands.
We would like to thank all the fans who have support Croatia in Shkoder and helped to secure a convincing win over Kosovo. Unfortunately, this support has been marred by unacceptable cheers that do not conform with the European spirit of tolerance and respect that we all strive to.
Croatian Football Federation rejects and strongly condemns this behaviour of a minority fan group, that is responsible for direct damage to Croatia national team and makes it even more difficult in an already sensitive position of Croatian football within FIFA and UEFA due the fans' behaviour. This must concern anyone who desires the success and well-being of Croatia national team.
On Sunday, Croatia awaits another sporting challenge in Finland. We call upon all Croatian fans, including those arriving from Scandinavian countries, to support Croatia in the spirit of fair-play and cheer the national team towards victory, to represent our homeland in the best possible light.
Together, let us say NO to discrimination, xenophobia, racism, and stadium violence. Let us cheer Croatia and our players on in the spirit of fair-play, respect, and tolerance towards the opponent, match officials and all the spectators.
Your cheers FOR Croatia can prevent potential hooligans' and provokers' cheers that result in draconic sanctions for the Croatian team, and all of its fans who want to watch their favourite team live. Croatian Football Federation will continue with the activities intended to fight the intolerance in the stadiums.
We would like to thank all the true fans for the loyal support, and we congratulate you Croatia's Independence Day. Let us show in Tampere that Croatia has made the most of this independence to develop into a modern and tolerant European nation.
Be proud fans!
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