September 1 – Northern Ireland Premiership club Linfield have been fined €15,000 for breaching UEFA rules over standing areas. The punishment relates to the Belfast side’s home game against Swedes AIK Solna in the Europa League on July 17.
Although many clubs in Europe have standing sections for domestic games, UEFA insist on all-seat stadia in their competitions and the fine is a heavy blow to a club the size of Linfield.
“This promises to have serious ramifications both for the club at large and for the team budget during the season ahead,” read a club statement.
“It is with considerable frustration that no sooner has the new season started than the Club’s Board of Directors are faced with another difficult disciplinary issue involving our own supporters.
“This is particularly annoying to the club as extensive efforts were made on the day of the game to avoid this specific issue arising, including an article on our club website and repeated announcements over the stadium PA system.”
Linfield have threatened to take action against their own fans, some of whom have been guilty of sectarian chanting during domestic games but who have now fallen foul of the laws at European level.
“Those individuals standing behind the goal were also approached by Linfield FC stewards, the Club secretary and Club Health and Safety Officer,” said the statement.
“Our supporters must realise that Linfield does not operate in a vacuum where we are not bound by the rules and regulations that all other clubs in European competition are subject to,” continued the statement.
“Given the severity of the probable punishment in this case, Linfield must reserve the right to issue sanctions against any supporters identified as having been involved in any of the issues outlined or in any future incident which gives rise to financial sanctions against the club.”
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1734856289labto1734856289ofdlr1734856289owedi1734856289sni@w1734856289ahsra1734856289w.wer1734856289dna1734856289