Barcelona fans will be unable to travel to watch their team play against Red Star Belgrade in the upcoming Champions League match due to severe repercussions stemming from racist behaviour exhibited by some of their supporters. This situation has arisen after UEFA issued a fine of £8,330 (€10,000/$11,163) to the club for the intolerable actions during their 2-1 defeat against Monaco in September. The specifics of the racist behaviour remain undisclosed by UEFA, but it’s clear that the governing body takes such incidents very seriously.
In a statement released on Friday, UEFA detailed the charges against FC Barcelona, indicating they pertain to racism and other forms of discriminatory conduct, as outlined under Article 14(2) of their Disciplinary Regulations. This decision was made by the Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB), which enforced a previously suspended disciplinary measure. This measure, originally laid down by UEFA’s Appeals Body on April 17, 2024, mandates that FC Barcelona must refrain from selling tickets to their away-supporters for their next UEFA competition match.
A statement from UEFA published on Friday reads: “The charges against Barca relate to racism and/or other discriminatory conduct, per Art. 14(2) of UEFA’s Disciplinary Regulations. The Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) had decided to order the enforcement of the suspended disciplinary measure imposed by the UEFA Appeals Body in its decision on 17 April 2024 for the racist behaviour of its supporters, i.e. to ban FC Barcelona from selling tickets to its away-supporters for the next UEFA competition match in accordance with Article 26(3) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations. And also to fine FC Barcelona €10,000 and to ban FC Barcelona from selling tickets to its away-supporters for one additional UEFA competition match for the racist behaviour of its supporters. Said ban from selling tickets to its away supporters is suspended for a probationary period of one year, starting from the date of the present decision.”
In addition to the monetary fine, this ruling also extends a ban on ticket sales for away supporters for one forthcoming UEFA match as a consequence of the supporters’ racist behaviour. A crucial point to note is that this ban on ticket sales is currently under a probationary period of one year, giving the club a chance to improve its conduct during that timeframe.
This incident is not an isolated one for Barcelona, as the club has a history of facing disciplinary action due to fan behaviour. Last season, three Barcelona fans were arrested after the Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain for allegedly using racist language and making Nazi salutes, further highlighting the need for addressing such serious issues within football culture.
Despite these controversies, the footballing prowess of Hansi Flick’s squad continues strong; the team remains unbeaten, having won all seven of its La Liga matches this season. Barcelona is currently sitting at the top of the La Liga table and is looking to regain composure as they prepare to return to league action. They will host Granada on Saturday evening, hoping to channel their focus back onto the pitch amid the current controversy surrounding their fanbase.
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