RIAU24.COM – Croatia was fined by the parties Fifa after some of their fans insulted Canadian goalkeeper Milan Borjan during a World Cup group stage match via a small banner with the words “Bonjan”.
Born in Knin, Croatia, Borjan is an ethnic Serb who fled to Belgrade in 1995 during “Operation Storm”, the Croatian offensive in its war of independence.
Borjan then moved to Canada, which he now represents at international level, although he spent most of his club career in Serbia.
During Croatia’s 4-1 win over Canada, a flag was shown in the stands reading “Knin ’95 – nobody walks like Borjan”, while offensive chants were also said to have been directed in his direction.
Borjan called the abuse “primitive” after the game, while FIFA said it would open an investigation.
FIFA’s disciplinary proceedings ended with a decision to fine the Croatian Football Federation 50,000 Swiss francs.
A FIFA statement read: “The Croatian Football Federation has been fined CHF 50,000 for breaches relating to Article 16 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (use of words and objects to sending inappropriate messages for sporting events) in relation to the behavior of Croatian fans during FIFA World Cup matches Croatia vs Canada on November 27,” quoting Fotmob, Thursday 8/12/2022.
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