England Supporters Barred from Nations League Match in Croatia
England fans will be prohibited from attending their Nations League away fixture against Croatia in October, as the host nation serves a two-game punishment resulting from crowd disturbances last year. This decision follows sanctions imposed on Croatia by football authorities.
Sanctions Stemming from Previous Incidents
Croatia received a substantial fine and was ordered to play their next home game behind closed doors, alongside their subsequent away match without travelling supporters. These penalties were levied after incidents during their Nations League quarter-final against France in May of last year.
The Croatian Football Federation confirmed that the ban on supporters would apply to the England match on 3 October, following Thursday night's Nations League draw in Brussels. The draw placed England in Group A3 alongside Croatia, Czech Republic, and Spain.
The federation stated: "Due to the inappropriate behavior of some Croatian fans in the quarter-final matches of last year's edition of the Nations League against France, Croatia will play its first away game against the Czech Republic on September 26 without Croatian fans, and play its first home game without an audience against England on October 3."Historical Precedent for England Fans
This marks the second time England fans have faced such restrictions for an away trip to Croatia. In October 2018, supporters were banned from travelling to a Nations League match in Rijeka due to similar sanctions against the hosts. Despite the prohibition, hundreds of England fans still made the journey, attempting to watch the match from a hill overlooking the stadium.
England's Nations League Fixture Schedule
England will commence their Nations League campaign at home against Spain on 26 September. They then travel for back-to-back away games against the Czech Republic on 29 September and Croatia on 3 October. The team returns home to face the Czechs again on 6 October, host Croatia on 12 November, and conclude the group stage away to Spain on 15 November.
The knockout stages of the Nations League are scheduled to take place next year, with England aiming to progress from a competitive group that includes former tournament winners and strong European sides.
