World Cup 2018: Fifa warn Croatia keeper Danijel Subasic over dead friend tribute after Denmark win
Stopper revealed touching message underneath shirt after friend's death a decade ago, but governing body were not happy as it infringed their regulations
DANIJEL SUBASIC has been warned by Fifa for paying tribute to a dead friend after his penalty heroics saw Croatia past Denmark in the World Cup last 16.
Monaco keeper Subasic, 33, saved three spot-kicks in the shoot-out but came under fire for his post-match undershirt, which he wore in memory of friend Hrvoje Custic.
Custic, a former teammate of Subasic's at their hometown club Zadar, died in 2008 following injuries he suffered during a game.
The midfielder lost his life aged just 24 after he fell into a concrete wall surrounding the pitch.
Subasic's tribute involved lifting his keeper top to reveal a picture of Custic with 'FOREVER' above it and '24' underneath.
But Fifa have warned him not to show the shirt again, as it could breach their strict rules.
Fifa's statement read: "A warning has been issued for such violation as well as for the infringement of the Fifa Equipment regulations due to the display of a personal message by the player Danijel Subasic after the end of the said match."
Subasic broke down in a press conference following the game on Tuesday when he was asked about Custic.
Fighting back tears, he said: "That's what happens. What happens to him you don't know the story.
"I don't think from my side there is need for extra explanation on that question."
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Croatia meet hosts Russia in the World Cup quarter-final on Saturday night after their Denmark shoot-out win.
With the scores locked at 1-1 after 120 minutes, Subasic's trio of spectacular saves saw them through to the last eight.
Fifa also announced that fined the Croatia FA £53,000 for 'the display of non-authorised beverage products' during the game.
The exclusive rights to supply drinks at World Cups are held by Coca-Cola and Fifa are notorious for running a tight ship on the issue, so much so that the fine was seven times higher than Russia received for a neo-Nazi banner unveiled by one of their fans.
