England fans banned from Nations League clash against Croatia
England fans will not be permitted to attend the upcoming Nations League match away to Croatia scheduled for October 3, following a two-game ban imposed on the home nation due to prior crowd disturbances, reports BritPanorama.
This ban results from incidents during Croatia’s Nations League quarter-final against France, leading to not only sanctions but also heavy fines. Consequently, Croatia will host the match against England behind closed doors.
The Croatian Football Federation confirmed that due to the previous inappropriate behaviour by some fans, the team’s first home match against England will occur without an audience. This situation marks the continuation of restrictions, as England fans faced a similar ban during a Nations League match in Rijeka in October 2018.
In announcing the ban, the federation noted that Croatia will also play its first away game against the Czech Republic on September 26 without the presence of its fans. The impending fixture list has England set to face Spain and the Czech Republic in their initial matches before their return to face Croatia at home on November 12.
As England prepares for these matches, Thomas Tuchel remains committed to leading the team, having recently signed a contract extension that secures his role until after Euro 2028. This decision signals a long-term vision for the national side amid ongoing challenges that accompany international football.
Despite the restrictions, it remains to be seen how fans will engage with the match from afar, reflecting on the passion that often overshadows the governance of the game.
