By Mark Baber
October 6 – Thursday’s crucial European Championship qualifier between Romania and Finland will be played in front of spectators after UEFA lifted a stadium ban on the Romanians imposed after fans were accused of racism and throwing missiles during a match against Greece in Bucharest.
The Finnish Football Federation announced on their web site that: “According to the UEFA decision on Monday, the punishment will be postponed due to additional research, and the game on Thursday will be played in Bucharest in front of an audience as usual.”
Meanwhile the FRF celebrated the decision, saying: “After pleading lawyers supported today by the Romanian Football Federation before the UEFA Appeals Commission, FRF managed to suspend all sanctions imposed by the Board of Control, Ethics and Discipline of UEFA.”
The FRF described the decision as “a decisive moment for the return of the national team in the elite of European football.”
Romania had been punished for its fans booing the Hungarian national anthem and displaying an “illegal banner” in a game against Hungary on September 4, but it was alleged racism and throwing fireworks and missiles at the Greece game three days later which had earnt them the stadium ban.
Thursday’s game sees Romania, second in Group F with 16 points from eight matches and one point behind Northern Ireland take on Finland who are fourth on 10 points. Details of ticketing arrangements are expected to be announced today (Tuesday).
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