December 18 – Champions League knockout stage qualifiers Olympiakos and Zenit St Petersburg have both paid the penalty for racist behaviour by their respective fans.
The Greek side have been ordered by UEFA to play the first leg of their last-16 fixture against Manchester United in a partially closed stadium because of “racist conduct of supporters” against Anderlecht in their final group game last week. Fans also set off fireworks and aimed dangerous lasers at the pitch.
Zenit St Petersburg, whose supporters are renowned for falling foul of the law both in Europe and domestically, will also have to close part of their stadium for the home leg against Borussia Dortmund.
In the 4-1 defeat at Austria Vienna, visiting Zenit fans displayed a racist banner while a number of flares were thrown, forcing a temporary stoppage by the referee. Both clubs were also fined but can appeal the sanctions.
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