November 3 – UEFA has imposed partial stadium closure orders on both Romania and Hungary after their ill-tempered Euro 2016 qualifying tie – but the sanctions will not affect away fans.
Both football associations have been hit with fines and each must play behind partially closed doors after unrest in the stands and on the pitch during the Group F clash in Bucharest on October 11 that finished 1-1 and featured 11 yellow cards.
Police sprayed tear gas into the stands as fireworks and flares were let off by both sets of supporters. Hungary fans set light to several seats after Adam Szalai’s first-half goal was disallowed.
Hungary have been ordered to pay for the damage to Bucharest’s National Stadium within 30 days and have also been punished for “racist behaviour” by fans. A minimum of 2,500 seats at the Florian Albert Stadion will be closed off for their qualifier against Finland on November 14.
Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill, whose high-flying team next visit Romania, is unhappy with the delay in UEFA’s decision.
“It’s very unfair on the supporters having to wait this length of time to find out whether they are allowed access to the ground or not,” he said. “These decisions should be made much earlier in light of the organisation and planning that goes into attending these matches.”
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