England Under-21 manager Aidy Boothroyd says the Croatian players' celebrations and gamesmanship is what prompted a furious reaction from Curtis Jones.
The Liverpool star became incensed at the final whistle after a Domagoj Bradaric's injury-time goal for Croatia broke England U21 hearts and denied them a place in the Euro 2021 quarter-finals.
The Three Lions beat Croatia U21s 2-1 on the night with goals coming from Crystal Palace forward Eberechi Eze and Jones, but they needed to win by two clear goals to progress.
Jones had to be held back as he clashed with the crowd of Croatian U21 players celebrating on the pitch.
The Liverpool midfielder earned himself a second yellow card for his part in the scuffle.
After the match, Boothroyd explained why Jones became so incensed.
"All their staff were on the pitch and celebrating in between some of our players and it just got a bit fraught", Boothroyd told Sky Sports.
"Emotions got high. I've got to get to the bottom of the card [for Curtis Jones]. I have been unable to speak to the referee yet. I'll find out what when on there.
"It is one of those highly emotive situations where sometimes things can happen, thankfully both sets of staff sorted it out."
