Croatia have been fined 25,000 euros ($31,400, 20,000 pounds) after crowd trouble at the country's Euro 2012 opener with the Republic of Ireland, UEFA said in a statement on Friday. The fine comes after fans lit flares and let off smoke bombs to celebrate goals in the 3-1 win in the Polish city of Poznan last Sunday.
A spectator also got on the pitch and missiles were thrown at the Group C game. The fine was announced after an anti-racism group, backed by European football's governing body, said that 300 to 500 Croatia fans racially abused Italy forward Mario Balotelli during the countries' match on Thursday, which ended 1-1.
An AFP photographer positioned in front of the majority of Croatia fans also said he heard monkey noises being directed at the Manchester City striker and at one point saw a steward picking up a banana that had been thrown onto the pitch.
Smoke bombs were also let off at the match, photographers and reporters at the ground said.
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