UEFA has again courted controversy by fining Croatia £65,000 for racism - £15,000 less than the punishment dished out to Nicklas Bendtner for wearing some dodgy pants.

European football's governing body has punished the Croatians after a section of their travelling supporters fans racially abused Italy forward Mario Balotelli in their Group C match.

Abuse: Mario Balotelli was taunted in the match against Croatia

The charges related to 'the setting-off and throwing of fireworks, and the improper conduct of supporters (racist chants, racist symbols).'

UEFA acted after receiving reports that 300 Croatia fans made monkey noises at Balotelli during a 1-1 draw in Poznan last Thursday.

Croatia's case was the first formal racism charge prosecuted by UEFA at Euro 2012 after lacking evidence in previous reported incidents.

But the punishment handed out is overshadowed by UEFA fining Bendtner for what was nothing more than an ill-planned stunt.

There were also accusations of a banana being thrown on to the pitch at the Municipal Stadium.

A UEFA statement read: 'The Croatian Football Federation (HNS) has been fined 80,000 euros for the setting-off and throwing of fireworks, and the improper conduct of supporters (racist chants, racist symbols) at the UEFA EURO 2012 Group C match against Italy in Poznan on Thursday 14 June

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