Croatia have been deducted one point, ordered to play two matches behind closed doors and fined by UEFA after a swastika was imprinted on the pitch before last month's Euro 2016 qualifier against Italy.

The swastika became visible during the match after a chemical agent was put on the grass at Split's Poljud stadium days before the June 12 game.

"The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body today decided to impose a deduction of one point on the Croatian Football Federation (HNS)," European soccer's governing body said in a statement, adding that the punishment was for "racist behaviour".

"The HNS has also been ordered to play its next two home matches in UEFA competition behind closed doors and not to play any of its remaining qualifying games at the Stadion Poljud in Split."

The HNS were also fined €100,000.

Pending an appeal, the punishment means Croatia stay top of Group H with 13 points from six games, one more than second-placed Italy.

Croatia were already playing the Italy match behind closed doors after being handed a one-match ban for racist chants by their fans in a 5-1 home win over Norway in Zagrebin March.

That followed incidents during a 1-1 draw against Italy in Milan last November when flares were hurled on to the pitch.

The swastika incident left the players and the HNS fearing drastic punishment and Croatian Prime Minister Zoran Milanovic urged UEFA not to impose heavy sanctions.

Sign up to our free newsletters

Get the best updates straight to your inbox:
Please select at least one mailing list.

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By subscribing, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing.