Italy-Croatia soccer match suspended after fans litter pitch with flares (VIDEO)

Italy's European Championship qualifier with Croatia was suspended after 75 minutes Sunday — after Croatia fans threw flares and fireworks on to the San Siro pitch — leaving the stadium covered with smoke and flames.

The players were off the field for 10 minutes before they returned to the pitch after emergency crews extinguished and removed the flares. It was the second time flares covered the pitch, with some being thrown around the stadium during the first half as well.

The referee escorted the players down the tunnel with the score at 1-1 as the smoke continued to spread and riot police attempted to hold back the Croatian supporters. UEFA are expected to launch an investigation into the incidents at the San Siro in the coming days.

Croatia head coach Niko Kovac apologized after 16 fans were arrested.

It's just a matter of time before this sort of ugly scene ends in disaster.

Bayern Munich faces fine after fans display controversial 'Gay Gunners' banner (PHOTO)

UEFA are expected to begin disciplinary proceedings against Bayern Munich after their fans displayed an offensive banner against Arsenal at the Allianz Arena, referring to the North London club as 'Gay Gunners'.

The homophobic banner was shown by fans during the 1-1 draw in the Champions League match Tuesday night.

The banner featured an drawing of Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil standing without pants in front of the club's signature cannon. It was unfurled ahead of kick-off.

Despite the small size of the banner, the Bundesliga champions could well find themselves on the end of a very large fine if previous incidents are anything to go by.

The chief of press for UEFA, Pedro Pinto revealed the proceedings on Twitter earlier today.            

He posted: "UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Bayern Munich for an offensive banner at last night's UCL game against Arsenal."      

The 25-year-old Ozil was withdrawn at half-time, after injuring his hamstring, before his team lost 3-1 on aggregate.

Solid gold cast of Lionel Messi's foot goes on sale for $5.25 million

Lionel Messi already has a couple of Golden Boots lying around, so what better than to add foot to go along with the collection.  Well, someone finally has.

A pure gold, life-size replica of the Barcelona soccer star's left foot was unveiled in Tokyo Wednesday.  The 10-inch tall homage to the prolific scorer's foot weighs about 55 pounds and is valued at $5.25 million.

Dr. Scholl would be so proud.

In a video message, Messi said he was honored to have his foot cast with the precious metal.

Messi's brother, Rodrigo Messi, who attended the presser for the unveiling of the golden foot, called the replica remarkable.

"You can see each line on the foot," he marveled. "It's an impressive piece of work."

The gold foot was created by Japanese jeweller Ginza Tanaka who was inspired by the soccer star's achievements on the pitch.

Messi's foot was cast in Spain at the end of 2012 and brought back to Japan to pour the commemorative piece of art.

The foot — whose toes could buy every Odor Eater® ever manufactured — will go on sale Thursday, and will come with an official certification issued by the Leo Messi Foundation, which helps children at risk around the world.

No word if Rex Ryan is on the short list of buyers.