Why is England vs Croatia being played behind closed doors?

It's the first time since 1872 that England's senior side will be played behind closed doors

England’s UEFA Nations League fixture against Croatia this evening will be played behind closed doors due to sanctions imposed on the hosts.

Croatia received a two-game penalty after a swastika appeared to be imprinted onto the pitch prior to the country’s Euro 2016 qualifier against Italy.

That game was also being played behind closed doors due to racist chants by Croatian supporters in another fixture against Norway.

Despite the match versus Italy taking place over three years ago, Croatia have only played one game at home in a UEFA competition since hence why the ban still stands.

It’s the first time England will play a senior international fixture behind closed doors in 998 matches.

A swastika on the pitch at the Poljud stadium when Croatia played Italy in 2016 (Getty)

Croatia vs England kicks off at 7:45 on Friday at the Stadion HNK in the port city of Rijeka.

Croatia come into the game on the back of a 6-0 thumping by Spain while England were also defeated by La Furia Roja at Wembley last month, although by the tighter margin of 2-1.

The loser of the match on Friday will become favourite to be relegated to the second year of UEFA's new competition.