French police had to react and prevent an incident in the stands of the stadium in Bordeaux where Croatia shocked Spain.
Ahead of the best game of the Croatian football team at the EURO 2016, certain fears of repeated hooligan activity from St. Etienne existed, when a small group shamed the nation. Many domestic and foreign media wrote that the match against Spain will see hooligans attempt another match disruption, even storming the field to assault the referee, however, none of that occurred, Dnevnik.hr reports on June 22, 2016.
This time around the French police took the warnings by Croatian colleagues much more seriously and was far more prepared for potential problems. The searches at stadium entrances were much more detailed, while the stadium itself had many more policemen and security personnel who reacted on time.
Technical government Interior Minister Vlaho Orepić told us how one fight in the stands was prevented and the attempt by one person to enter the pitch foiled.
Besides the police victory, it was also a great victory for our fans, with images of their celebration circling the world. The fans made us proud again and gave players the strength in the last minutes of the match to shock two-time European champions and clinch first place in D group. Such an outcome enabled our national team to have, at least on paper, a far easier road to eventual finals.
With fans such as these Croatia looks powerful and can go far, even to the very end!
