Croatia issue apology for swastika symbol on pitch in Italy match

The Croatian Football Federation has apologised after the swastika symbol was imprinted onto the pitch in their Euro 2016 qualifier against Italy.

The symbol, widely renowned for being associated with Nazi Germany, was spotted on the pitch at the Poljud Stadium during Croatia's 1-1 draw against the Azzurri.

The ground staff tried to cover up the mark in the second half, but they were unsuccessful, leading to the apology from the country's FA.

Croatian Federation spokesman Tomislav Pacak told reporters: "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 was being played behind closed doors as a result of racist chanting by sections of Croatia's supporters in their match earlier this year against Norway.