Croatia lodge appeal over UEFA stadium ban

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The Croatia Football Federation has confirmed it will appeal UEFA's decision for June's Euro 2016 qualifier against Italy to be played behind closed doors.

Croatia were hit with the sanction on Wednesday following alleged incidents of racism during the 5-1 victory against Norway in Zagreb on March 28.

Fans also set off fireworks and threw missiles during the encounter at the Stadion Maksimir.

The fixture against Italy will take place in a different venue at the Stadion Poljud in Split, a move described as a "responsible decision" by HNS president Davor Suker.

However, the HNS believes that UEFA's punishment is excessive and has subsequently challenged the decision.

"Our chances [of winning the appeal] are slim," Suker said. "But we have a respectable world reputation.

"We were all shocked with the UEFA decision and we feel bad about it, but we have to work together to rectify the mistakes."

FourFourTwo Staff