Croatia star Darijo Srna urges fans not to taint nation further after racism and pro-Nazi support
Shakhtar Donetsk right-back hopes supporters will not disgrace his side any more than they already have this summer
DARIJO SRNA has urged Croatia’s fans not to taint his nation further.
Croatia had to play Italy behind closed doors after racist fan behaviour against Norway during qualifying.
They were then docked a point after a swastika was marked on their pitch in Split for the Italy game.
Skipper Srna, 34, said: “Yes, it is true we’ve had problems in the qualifying games but players cannot do anything about this.
“Our supporters are our 12th man and know how to support us in the right way. They understand how important they are to us.
“When Croatia were at the 1998 World Cup in France, they were great and I hope they can repeat that. I am sure there will be no problems here.”
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Croatia take on Turkey today in Paris with bitter memories of their 2008 Euro defeat in Italy.
Ivan Klasnic put Croatia ahead with a minute left in the quarter-final but Semih Senturk found time to level. The Turks went through 3-1 on penalties.
Shakhtar Donetsk right-back Srna, in his sixth major tournament, said: “I don’t want to talk about revenge but it was painful.”
Turkish coach Fatih Terim has called on Uefa to go further with technology.
HawkEye goalline technology is being used at the Euros for the first time but Terim said: “Let’s go further. I want offside technology and for throw-ins, corners and goal-kicks.”