Flares open more questions for UEFA
Security at UEFA Euro 2016 has once again come under the spotlight after Croatia fans hurled flares onto the pitch against Czech Republic.
UEFA was left with more security questions to answer at Euro 2016 after Croatia fans hurled flares onto the pitch forcing a halt to their team's clash with Czech Republic on Saturday (AEST).
A series of firecrackers were thrown from the Croatia end late on in its 2-2 draw, forcing referee Mark Clattenburg to temporarily pause the Group D action in Saint-Etienne.
A member of the stadium staff sent to clear the flares was almost struck as one of the pyrotechnics exploded next to him.
And, while Croatia's players sought to calm their fans, there were ugly scenes in the stands as some of the country's supporters scuffled with each other.
Fighting continued even after play resumed, with stewards deployed to break up the trouble.
The scenes overshadowed late drama on the pitch, as an stoppage-time Tomas Necid penalty rescued an unlikely draw for the lacklustre Czech Republic.
The incident is the latest to put security measures under the spotlight at the tournament, with Russia handed a suspended disqualification following trouble in the stands in their Group B opener against England in Marseille – which was preceded by a series of flares being let off.
UEFA also confirmed it would investigate Portugal fans after a firecracker was apparently lit among its supporters during the 1-1 draw with Iceland, also in Saint-Etienne, on Wednesday (AEST).
