VIDA FACES MORE SANCTIONS OVER NEW ‘POLITICAL’ VIDEO

CROATIA defender Domagoj Vida is facing further FIFA sanctions after a new video emerged in which he appears to shout ‘Belgrade burn’. Vida scored an extra-time goal before successfully converting a penalty in his country’s tense shoot-out victory over Russia last Saturday. But the defender’s joy was overshadowed after online footage showed Vida and coach Ognjen Vukojevic appear to say ‘glory to Ukraine’ after their quarter-final triumph. Given the historical tensions between Ukraine and Russia, this was seen as deliberate goading of the host nation — with political messages of any kind banned by FIFA. Croatia have already apologised on behalf of Vida, who received a warning from world football’s governing body, while Vukojevic was sent home. Vida was cleared to face England tonight but the emergence of a second video in which he seems to shout ‘Belgrade burn’ — another clear political statement— has put his participation at the Luzhniki Stadium at risk. He is a key player for Croatia and manager Zlatko Dalic will be desperate for the player to avoid any sanctions that would prevent him from playing this evening. Meanwhile, Dejan Lovren reacted furiously to criticism of his display in Liverpool’s 4-1 loss to a Harry Kane-inspired Tottenham last season. The Croatian defender had an afternoon to forget at Wembley and was substituted after 32 minutes as Kane gave him a torrid time. When the game was mentioned at yesterday’s press conference, Lovren hit back: ‘I don’t know what to say in response to this question, it’s completely irrelevant, that 4-1 defeat. ‘Why didn’t you ask me how I played well against him? You are just nitpicking in terms of my performances. ’I have respect for Harry Kane — he is one of the greatest threats — but he is not alone. His teammates play at top drawer clubs.’