Atlético de Madrid Sanctioned for Racist Behavior in the Champions League
UEFA has issued a sanction against Atlético de Madrid following the behavior of its fans in the Champions League match against Arsenal in October. The club has been fined 30,000 euros and has been given a suspended ban on travel for its supporters.
According to UEFA sources, the accusation against Atlético is related to monkey gestures and noises, as well as Nazi salutes made by the Spanish club’s fans at the Emirates Stadium in London.
These incidents violated Article 14 (2) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations. Atlético fans were also charged with throwing objects during the match.
Despite the seriousness of the charges, the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body (CEDB) has suspended the ban on ticket sales for an away match for a probationary period of one year.
The 30,000 euro fine and another 10,000 euro penalty for throwing objects are immediate punishments.
UEFA also fined Azerbaijani team Qarabag FK Youth 5,000 euros and ordered the club to play one home match behind closed doors due to the “racist and/or discriminatory behavior” of its supporters during a UEFA Youth League clash against Chelsea on November 5.
The sanction of playing behind closed doors has been suspended for a probationary period of one year.
