England’s behind-closed-doors Nations League clash in Croatia will be played in front of thousands of local schoolchildren.
UEFA ruled that Croatia must host the game without supporters as punishment for crowd disturbances before and during a defeat against France in Paris last year.
Seven fans were arrested for allegedly performing Nazi salutes on a march towards Stade de France before being released without charge. Inside the ground, police are said to have found batons, sharp wooden sticks and smoke bombs in the possession of Croatians.
It led to UEFA meting out the punishment last February, which also saw no Croatia fans attend their 2-1 victory over Czech Republic in Prague on Saturday.
The FA secured 100 tickets for England supporters with the highest amount of away ‘caps’ to head for Rijeka to watch Thomas Tuchel’s side this weekend.
But despite the ban on Croatia fans, there will also be a sizeable home presence in the 8,200-capacity HNK Rijeka Stadium.
England will play their game against Croatia in front of thousands of school children despite rules it must be behind closed doors
Croatia must host the game without supporters as punishment for crowd disturbances before and during a defeat against France
UEFA rules state that children under the age of 14 can attend behind closed doors matches free of charge.
Teachers and parents will accompany the schoolkids from the local area, with the Croatian FA planning for around 3,000 to be permitted entry as of last week.
UEFA also allow those from affiliate partners holding complimentary tickets to attend, while each team is given a maximum of 20 VIP guest spots.
Meanwhile, Nico O’Reilly has returned to Manchester City with an injury that kept him out of the win over Czech Republic on Tuesday.
Source: Sport
