'glory to Ukraine'
World Cup 2018: Croatia sack coach Ognjen Vukojevic over controversial pro-Ukraine video taken after Russia win
Defender Domagoj Vida and former midfielder Vukojevic filmed themselves on social media chanting 'Glory to Ukraine'
CROATIA have sent home the coach who infuriated Russia by giving a Ukrainian victory chant after their quarter-final win over the hosts.
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With Russian authorities up and arms and demanding action, Fifa gave Vida a formal warning although the threat of a potential semi-final ban did not materialise.
But the Croatian FA made a public apology to their Russian counterparts today and announced Vukojevic had been stripped of his accreditation and ordered home.
In a statement, they said: “The Croatian Football Association wishes to apologise to the Russian public for the behaviour of a member of the staff of the team.
“Ognjen Vukojevic has been relieved of his duties and will no longer be a member of our delegation at the World Cup.”
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Vukojevic made his own apology and added: “I understand and respect the decision of the Croatian Football Association.
“I would not want to be a burden to the team ahead of the extremely important semi-finals of the World Cup when the thing they need most is peace.
“There were no political connotations in my statements but I understand they could be interpreted differently.
“I'm very proud of what Croatia has done so far in Russia, and I want to be happy with the boys for the remaining matches. I will be their biggest fan to the very end.”
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