By Andrew Warshaw
August 29 – PAOK Salonika of Greece and Austria’s Rapid Vienna have both been hit with one-season bans – suspended for three years – by UEFA following crowd violence before a Europa League playoff match.
PAOK won the first leg 2-1 last week after clashes between rival fans during the warm-up.
Additionally, PAOK will have to play their next three European home matches behind closed doors and have been fined €150,000 (£120,000/$190,000).
Rapid will have to play one home match behind closed doors and pay €75,000 (£60,000/$84,000).
UEFA confirmed that none of the penalties apply to tomorrow’s return leg in Vienna, although there is bound to be a major police presence at the game.
“The Greek and Austrian clubs have been disqualified for one competition in progress and/or excluded from the next competition for which they qualify in the next five years,” said UEFA.
“The bans for the two clubs are each suspended for probationary periods of three years.”
Dozens of PAOK fans spilled on to the pitch at the Toumba Stadium after flares were thrown by Rapid fans who, according to their club, were subjected to “almost unimaginable hatred”.
PAOK were charged with “the improper conduct of supporters – crowd disturbances, pitch invasion, setting off and throwing of missiles and fireworks – and insufficient organisation”.
Rapid were charged with “improper conduct of supporters – crowd disturbances and setting off and throwing of fireworks and missiles”.
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