UEFA fine Rijeka and order them to play behind closed doors after violence during Milan clash
The Croatian team's fans set off torches and flares in their match against AC Milan at San Siro and will be severely punished by UEFA as a result. Similar episodes of anti-social behaviour was seen during their mid-week match against Austria Wien.
UEFA have come down heavily on Croatian team Rijeka after fans set off flares and torches during their European clash against AC Milan, in September.
The Croatian club have been sanctioned to a £35,000 ( €40,000) fine after acts of hooliganism threaten the future of the club in Europe.
The Croatian team were 2016-17 domestic champions but have been thrust into the spotlight because of their fans' antics and repeat episodes of hooliganism.
During the September fixture, the San Siro was lit up red as members of the Armada fan group waved torches in the top-tier of the stadium and sent flares flying down onto the pitch and to other fan zones.
In footage from the incident, smoke fills the air as the hard-core fans wave flags defiantly.
The concerning behaviour involves flares being thrust toward the goal with firefighters rushing to the area to immediately distinguished the flame.
The behaviour of fans during the second-round clash against Milan will result in them being banned from visiting Greece, at AEK Athens, and the fixture will be played behind closed doors.
But the sanctions do not appear to have perturbed the Armada group as they were filmed carrying out similar stunts during their team's away match in Vienna against Austria Wien.
On Thursday, October 19 the Croatian side secured a 3-1 victory over their Europa League rivals and move into second place in their group.
However, the behaviour of the fan base could result in the club being further penalised in forthcoming fixtures- the Croatian team are due to host Austria Wien on November 2.
